Abstract Detail

Ecology

Malik, Rondy J [1], Bruns, Mary Ann V [2], Bell, Terrence H [3], Eissenstat, David [4].

Phylogenetic Signal, Root Morphology, Mycorrhizal Type, andvMacroinvertebrate Exclusion: ExploringWood Decompositionin Soils Conditioned by 13 Temperate Tree Species.

Woodlands are pivotal to carbon stocks, but the process of cycling C is slow and maybe most effective in the biodiverse root zone. How the root zone impacts plants has been widely examined over the past few decades, but the role of the root zone in decomposition is understudied. Here, we examined how mycorrhizal association and macroinvertebrate activity influences wood decomposition across diverse tree species. Within the root zone of six predominantly arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) (Acer negundo, Acer saccharum, Prunus serotina, Juglans nigra, Sassafras albidum, and Liriodendron tulipfera) and seven predominantly ectomycorrhizal (EM) tree species (Carya glabra, Quercus alba, Quercus rubra, Betula alleghaniensis, Picea rubens, Pinus virginiana, and Pinus strobus), woody litter was buried for 13 months. Macroinvertebrate access to woody substrate was either prevented or not using 0.22 mm mesh in a common garden site in central Pennsylvania. Decomposition was assessed as proportionate mass loss, as explained by root diameter, phylogenetic signal, mycorrhizal type, canopy tree trait, or macroinvertebrate exclusion. Macroinvertebrate exclusion significantly increased wood decomposition by 5.9%, while mycorrhizal type did not affect wood decomposition, nor did canopy traits (i.e., broad leaves versus pine needles). Interestingly, there was a phylogenetic signal for wood decomposition. Local indicators for phylogenetic associations (LIPA) determined high values of sensitivity value in Pinus and Picea genera, while Carya, Juglans, Betula, and Prunus yielded low values of sensitivity. Phylogenetic signals went undetected for tree root morphology. Despite this, roots greater than 0.35 mm significantly increased woody litter decompositionby 8%. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest trees with larger root diameters can accelerate C cycling, as can trees associated with certain phylogenetic clades. In addition, rootzone macroinvertebrates can potentially limit woody C cycling, while mycorrhizal type does not playa significant role. 

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1 - The University of Kansas, Kansas Biological Survey, 2101 Constant Ave, Lawrence, KS, 66102, USA
2 - Penn State University, Ecosystem Science and Management, 206 Agricultural Sciences and Industries Building, PA, 16802
3 - Penn State University , Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, 317 Buckhout Lab , University Park, PA, 16802, USA
4 - Penn State University, Ecosystem Science And Managment, 201 Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA, 16802, United States

Keywords:
Decomposition
Temperate Trees
phylogenetic signal
Root morphology
Mycorrhizae
soils.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: EC12003
Abstract ID:699
Candidate for Awards:Ecological Section Best Graduate Student Paper