4.7 Article

Nutrient supply modulates species interactions belowground: dynamics and traits of fine roots in mixed plantations of Eucalyptus and Acacia mangium

Journal

PLANT AND SOIL
Volume 460, Issue 1-2, Pages 559-577

Publisher

SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s11104-020-04755-2

Keywords

Mixed-species plantations; Ferralsol soil; Fertilization; Facilitation; Competition

Funding

  1. SOERE F-ORE-T - Ecofor
  2. SOERE F-ORE-T - Allenvi
  3. SOERE F-ORE-T - French National Research Infrastructure ANAEEF
  4. IN-SYLVA French network
  5. FAPESP Thematic Project [2010/16623-9]
  6. Intensfix Project [ANR-2010-STRA-00403]

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In mixed species forests, the effects of soil fertility on belowground processes were investigated. Fertilization increased competition between species, leading to partial exclusion of Acacia fine roots from nutrient-rich topsoil. Eucalyptus roots explored soil near Acacia trees more in unfertilized stands, indicating facilitation through higher soil N availability and direct N transfer from Acacia trees.
Aims Belowground interactions are still poorly understood in mixed-species forests. We investigated the effects of soil fertility on belowground processes in mixed planted forests. Methods The dynamics and traits of Eucalyptus and Acacia mangium fine roots (diameter < 2 mm) in plantations with 50% of each species were studied in a randomized block design established in a nutrient depleted soil. Stands with NPK fertilization applied at planting (F+) were compared to unfertilized stands (F-). Results In the 0-15 cm soil layer, Eucalyptus root mass density (RMD) was higher than Acacia RMD by 50% in F+ and 10% in F-, considering both ages. At 34 months of age, Eucalyptus RMD was 94% higher near Acacia trees than near Eucalyptus trees in F-. In this layer, Eucalyptus specific root length (SRL) was 21% higher than Acacia SRL at 16 months of age and was 10% higher in F- than in F+ at 34 months of age. The cumulative Eucalyptus fine root length production between 16 and 34 months was 66% higher in F- than in F+ in the 0-1 m soil layer. Conclusions Fertilization increased the competition between species and led to a partial exclusion of Acacia fine roots from the nutrient-rich topsoil. Soil exploration by Eucalyptus roots in the vicinity of Acacia trees was higher in F- than in F+, which suggests that unfertilized trees benefited from facilitation through higher soil N availability and direct N transfer from Acacia trees.

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