Premium
Linking leaf and root trait syndromes among 39 grassland and savannah species
Author(s) -
Tjoelker M. G.,
Craine J. M.,
Wedin D.,
Reich P. B.,
Tilman D.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2005.01428.x
Subject(s) - biology , forb , photosynthesis , longevity , specific leaf area , respiration , botany , agronomy , monoculture , grassland , genetics
Summary• Here, we tested hypothesized relationships among leaf and fine root traits of grass, forb, legume, and woody plant species of a savannah community.• CO 2 exchange rates, structural traits, chemistry, and longevity were measured in tissues of 39 species grown in long‐term monocultures.• Across species, respiration rates of leaves and fine roots exhibited a common regression relationship with tissue nitrogen (N) concentration, although legumes had lower rates at comparable N concentrations. Respiration rates and N concentration declined with increasing longevity of leaves and roots. Species rankings of leaf and fine‐root N and longevity were correlated, but not specific leaf area and specific root length. The C 3 and C 4 grasses had lower N concentrations than forbs and legumes, but higher photosynthesis rates across a similar range of leaf N.• Despite contrasting photosynthetic pathways and N 2 ‐fixing ability among these species, concordance in above‐ and below‐ground traits was evident in comparable rankings in leaf and root longevity, N and respiration rates, which is evidence of a common leaf and root trait syndrome linking traits to effects on plant and ecosystem processes.