Abstract
Abstract
Aims
Specific root respiration (RRS) is a key root trait, determining i.e. nutrient foraging and uptake efficiencies. However, a considerable uncertainty exists regarding the effects of storage time and conditions on RRS measurements.
Methods
Fine root CO2 efflux rates of three plant types (tree seedling Carpinus betulus, legume Pisum sativum, grass Lolium perenne) were measured as depending on storage time (30–1440 min post-rinsing) and conditions (i.e. attached to plant, warm and cold water storage, and storage under dry conditions).
Results
Short-term storage conditions (30 min) had a significant effect on measured RRS rates, in specific, RRS rates of all three species were significantly lower under dry storage. Irrespective of plant species or temperature, storage of excised roots in water did not affect RRS for 300 min,. RRS measurements remained stable for 1 day if roots were stored cold.
Conclusions
Our results have important implications on measurement routines of RRS—a generally understudied root trait. Henceforth it seems reasonable to collect roots in the field and transport them, hydrated but even uncooled, to the laboratory for subsequent measurements for at least 300 min post-rinsing.
Funder
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Plant Science,Soil Science
Cited by
8 articles.
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