PRF: Fine Root Dynamics in Floodplain Forests of the Alaskan Taiga

本研究的目的是研究细根 动态沿着洪泛平原森林时序序列上 阿拉斯加州费尔班克斯附近的博南扎溪LTER。 地上 这些森林和其他针叶林结构和功能良好， 记录在案，但对地下过程知之甚少。 用微型电子管对根系进行直接观测， 用于研究细根的生活史和寿命， 真菌病 这些数据将用于估计 细根系统正在翻转并被替换 每年. 细根/真菌产生和死亡率 通过直接观察确定的生物量将与生物量相结合 和营养含量数据来自破坏性收获的 确定根系碳分配模式， 根和真菌在演替过程中。 这项研究是 旨在利用直接和间接的优势， 研究根系的方法，以更好地了解 阿拉斯加生态系统过程中的根和真菌 针叶林。

The objective of this research is to study fine root dynamics along a floodplain forest chronosequence sere on the Bonanza Creek LTER near Fairbanks, Alaska. The aboveground structure and function of these and other taiga forests are well documented, but little is known about below ground processes. Direct observations of roots, made with minirhizotrons, will be used to study the life history and longevity of fine roots and mycorrhizae. These data will be used to estimate the rate at which the fine root system is turning over and being replaced each year. Fine root/mycorrhizae production and motality rates determined via direct observation will be combined with biomass and nutrient content data derived from destructive harvest of the root systems to determine patterns of carbon allocation to fine roots and mycorrhizae during succession. The research is designed to capitalize on the strengths of direct and indirect methods of studying root systems to better understand the role of roots and mycorrhizae in ecosystem processes in the Alaskan taiga.