Effects of Root Diameter, Branch Order, Root Depth, Season and Warming on Root Longevity in an Alpine Meadow.
Scientists used a minirhizotron system in Tibet's alpine meadows to assess root dynamics and survival over two years by measuring the effects of warming, root diameter, root depth, branch order, and birth season on root lifespan.
Results showed that root diameter, depth, and branch order were positively correlated with root lifespan. A 0.1 mm increase in diameter reduced mortality by 19.3%, and a one-level branch order rise decreased the root death ratio by 43.8%. Roots born later in July-August and September-October had 26.8 and 56.5 %, respectively, less mortality than roots born in May–mid-July.
Warming made roots thinner, deeper, and less branched. Most were born in spring but had a shorter lifespan of 44 days compared to roots growing in ambient control conditions; however, in a single warm season, root diameter was not correlated with lifespan. Though root diameter, depth, and season of birth are crucial, root branch order was the parameter that affected root lifespan the most in alpine meadows.
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