Fine root decomposition and macronutrient release in temperate forests: Examining the litter bag and intact soil core approaches and their relationship with fungal community composition

Accurate measurement of decomposition of fine roots in forests is important for understanding nutrient cycling, carbon dynamics and biotic responses; however, various sources of error or bias interfere with commonly used approaches. Most studies of fine root decomposition have used the buried root litter bag method, but this method may underestimate decay rates based on comparisons with the less disruptive, intact soil core approach. We compared these two methods for one year for seven temperate forest trees growing in twelve monospecific plantations in central New York. The experimental design included four species that form arbuscular mycorrhizae (sugar maple, red maple, cherry, tulip poplar) and three with ectomycorrhizae (pine, spruce, oak). We also examined macronutrients (N, P) release and fungal community composition of decaying fine roots using Illumina sequencing. Across the seven species and 12 plots, fine root decay rate was significantly higher for intact cores than litter bags, with the difference being approximately 12 %, a smaller disparity than that observed in previous comparisons. However, one species (Norway spruce) showed the opposite trend. Similarly, N and P release from decaying roots was significantly greater for the intact core method, but again with an exception (red oak). No consistent effects of mycorrhizal type on the method effect or decay rate and nutrient release were detected. Fungal communities in decaying roots differed between the two methods; nevertheless, Mycena spp. dominated most plots for both methods. These results further emphasize the notion that decay rates and nutrient mobilization of fine roots in forests are usually underestimated by the litter bag approach.

Automated summary

Accurate measurement of fine root decomposition in forests is crucial for understanding nutrient cycling, carbon dynamics, and biotic responses. However, commonly used approaches may introduce errors or biases. This study compared the buried root litter bag method with the intact soil core approach and found that the latter generally resulted in higher decay rates and nutrient release. However, there were exceptions for certain tree species. The mycorrhizal type did not consistently affect the method effect or decay rate and nutrient release, but fungal communities differed between the two methods.