How fine root turnover functions during mangrove root zone expansion and affects belowground carbon processes

Background and aimsFine roots (diameter < 2 mm) are the component of belowground biomass, which are help to maintain sediment volume and resist soil compaction in mangroves. In addition, fine root turnover contributes to belowground carbon stocks. This study focused on root zone dynamics and aimed to quantify the composition of live and dead fine roots and analyze their functions during root zone expansion and belowground carbon accumulation.MethodsShallow surface elevation tables for measuring root zone expansion were set up in Dongzhaigang Bay of Hainan Province, China; root cores and in-growth bags for measuring fine root biomass and turnover rates were used in four typical mangrove forests.ResultsFine root biomass contributed over 60% to belowground roots, and was mainly composed of up to 69.25% dead fine roots. Fine root turnover rates ranged from 0.10 to 0.22 per year within the four forests, showing the fastest in Bruguiera forest, followed by Kandelia forest, Sonneratia plantation, and Rhizophora forest. Root zone expansion rates ranged from 0.55 to 1.28 mm yr (-1), and were positively related to live fine root biomass within the upper 50 cm layer of sediment in the four forest types (R-2 = 0.625, P = 0.0022).ConclusionsLive fine root biomass took up less than 30.75% of belowground biomass, but remarkably supported 62.50% of root zone expansion in mangroves. Turnover rates of fine roots significantly contributed to the highly dynamic changes in the carbon processes of sub-surface sediment.

Automated summary

This study aimed to examine the dynamics and functions of fine roots during root zone expansion and belowground carbon accumulation. The results showed that fine root biomass contributed over 60% to belowground roots, with a majority of 69.25% being dead fine roots. Fine root turnover rates ranged from 0.10 to 0.22 per year, with the fastest rate found in the Bruguiera forest. Root zone expansion rates ranged from 0.55 to 1.28 mm yr (-1), and were positively correlated with live fine root biomass in the upper 50 cm layer of sediment.