Productivity and morphological traits of fine roots in forest ecosystems along an elevation gradient of Yakushima Island

Fine-root productivity and morphological traits vary significantly along Yakushima Island's elevation gradient, reflecting species shifts more than temperature or nutrient availability alone. Middle-elevation broad-leaved forests exhibit higher fine-root biomass (0.123–0.297 kg/m²) and productivity (0.063–0.173 kg/m²/yr) compared to lower broad-leaved or upland coniferous forests, where biomass (0.092–0.097 kg/m²) and productivity (0.033–0.044 kg/m²/yr) are lower. Upland coniferous forests adapt to nutrient limitation or cooler climates by increasing fine-root lifespan and specific root length (SRL), rather than carbon allocation, reducing productivity. The study used the in-growth core method to measure these traits across seven forest sites (170–1550 m).

Mukai, M., Sawada, Y., Kitayama, K., & Aiba, S.-i. (2018). Productivity and morphological traits of fine roots in forest ecosystems along an elevation gradient of Yakushima Island. Journal of Forest Research, 24(1), 35–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/13416979.2018.1555882