Variations in fine root dynamics and turnover rates in five forest types in northeastern China

Quantifying fi ne root(≤ 2.0 mm in diameter) distribution and turnover is essential for accurately estimating forest carbon budgets. However, fi ne root dynamics are poorly understood, possibly because of their inaccessibility. This study quantifi es fi ne root distribution and turnover rates for fi ve representative Chinese temperate forests types. Fine root number, diameter, biomass, necromass, production, mortality, and turnover rates were measured using a minirhizotron over a 12-month period. More than 90% of the fi ne roots were < 0.5 mm in diameter, with thin fi ne roots at shallow layers, and thicker ones in deeper soil layers. The fi ne root dynamics were signifi cantly diff erent among the forest types. Coniferous plantations had fewer fi ne roots, less biomass, necromass, production and mortality but greater average diameters than fi ne roots of broadleaved forests. All traits, except for diameter, decreased along the soil profi le. Fine root numbers and production exhibited a unimodal seasonal pattern with peaks occurring in summer, whereas biomass, necromass and mortality progressivelyincreased over the growing season. The turnover rates of roots < 0.5 mm varied from 0.4 to 1.0 a-1 for the fi ve forest types, 0.5–1.0 a-1 for the soil layers and 0.2–1.1 a-1 for the seasons, with the largest turnover rate at the 0–10 cm depth in summer. The patterns of fi ne root numbers, biomass, necromass, production, mortality, and turnover rates varied with forest types, soil depths, growing season and diameter classes. This study highlights the importance of forest types and diameters in quantifying fi ne root turnover rates.