Abstract
Recent studies show that the variation in root functional traits can be explained by a two-dimensional trait framework, containing a 'collaboration' axis in addition to the classical fast-slow 'conservation' axis. This collaboration axis spans from thin and highly branched roots that employ a 'do-it-yourself' strategy to thick and sparsely branched roots that 'outsource' nutrient uptake to symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Here, we explore the functionality of this collaboration axis by quantifying how interactions with AMF change the impact of root traits on plant performance. To this end, we developed a novel functional-structural plant (FSP) modelling approach that simulates plants competing for light and nutrients in the presence or absence of AMF. Our simulation results support the notion that in the absence of AMF, plants rely on thin, highly branched roots for their nutrient uptake. The presence of AMF, however, promotes thick, unbranched roots as an alternative strategy for uptake of immobile phosphorus, but not for mobile nitrogen. This provides further support for a root trait framework that accommodates for the interactive effect of roots and AMF. Our modelling study offers unique opportunities to incorporate soil microbial interactions into root functionality as it integrates consequences of belowground trait expression.
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Claims 3
Claim · model-written summary
Without AMF, thin highly branched roots supported nutrient uptake in simulations.
- Taxon
- plantsViridiplantaee0
- Organ / stage
- thin, highly branched rootse0
- Interactor
- AMFe0symbiont
- Outcome
- nutrient uptakee0
Verbatim
e0“in the absence of AMF, plants rely on thin, highly branched roots for their nutrient uptake”
Claim · model-written summary
With AMF, thick unbranched roots became an alternative strategy for immobile phosphorus uptake.
Verbatim
e0“The presence of AMF, however, promotes thick, unbranched roots as an alternative strategy for uptake of immobile phosphorus, but not for mobile nitrogen”
t0“plants”
Claim · model-written summary
With AMF, thick unbranched roots were not promoted for mobile nitrogen uptake.
- Taxon
- plantsViridiplantaet0
- Organ / stage
- thick, unbranched rootse0
- Interactor
- AMFe0symbiont
- Outcome
- mobile nitrogene0
Not reportedDirection
Verbatim
e0“The presence of AMF, however, promotes thick, unbranched roots as an alternative strategy for uptake of immobile phosphorus, but not for mobile nitrogen”
t0“plants”