Dynamics of initial carbon allocation after drought release in mature Norway spruce—Increased belowground allocation of current photoassimilates covers only half of the carbon used for fine-root growth
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
Abstract
After drought events, tree recovery depends on sufficient carbon (C) allocation to the sink organs. The present study aimed to elucidate dynamics of tree-level C sink activity and allocation of recent photoassimilates (Cnew) and stored C in c. 70-year-old Norway spruce (Picea abies) trees during a 4-week period after drought release. We conducted a continuous, whole-tree 13C labeling in parallel with controlled watering after 5 years of experimental summer drought. The fate of Cnew to growth and CO2 efflux was tracked along branches, stems, coarse- and fine roots, ectomycorrhizae and root exudates to soil CO2 efflux after drought release. Compared with control trees, drought recovering trees showed an overall 6% lower C sink activity and 19% less allocation of Cnew to aboveground sinks, indicating a low priority for aboveground sinks during recovery. In contrast, fine-root growth in recovering trees was seven times greater than that of controls. However, only half of the C used for new fine-root growth was comprised of Cnew while the other half was supplied by stored C. For drought recovery of mature spruce trees, in addition to Cnew, stored C appears to be critical for the regeneration of the fine-root system and the associated water uptake capacity.
Details
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 6889-6905 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Global change biology |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 23 |
Early online date | 16 Aug 2022 |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2022 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
External IDs
PubMed | 36039835 |
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Keywords
Sustainable Development Goals
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Keywords
- C labeling, belowground carbon allocation, carbon partitioning, climate change, drought recovery, forest ecosystems, Picea abies, watering