Modeling the belowground response of plants and soil biota to edaphic and climatic change-What can we expect to gain?

Stan D. Wullschleger, Jonathan P. Lynch, Glenn M. Berntson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

As atmospheric CO2 concentrations continue to increase, so too will the emphasis placed on understanding the belowground response of plants to edaphic and climatic change. Controlled-exposure studies that address the significance of an increased supply of carbon to roots and soil biota, and the consequences of this to nutrient cycling will play a prominent role in this process. Models will also contribute to understanding the response of plants and ecosystems to changes in the earth's climate by incorporating experimental results into conceptual or quantitative frameworks from which potential feedbacks within the plant-soil system can be identified. Here we present five examples of how models can be used in this analysis and how they can contribute to the development of new hypotheses in the areas of root biology, soil biota, and ecosystem processes. Two examples illustrate the role of coarse and fine roots in nitrogen and phosphorus uptake from soils, the respiratory costs associated with this acquisition of nutrients, and the significance of root architecture in these relationships. Another example focuses on a conceptual model that has helped raise new ideas about the effects of elevated CO2 on root and microbial biomass, and on nutrient dynamics in the rhizosphere. Difficulties associated with modeling the contribution of mycorrhizal fungi to whole-plant growth are also discussed. Finally, several broad-scale models are used to illustrate the importance of root turnover, litter decomposition, and nitrogen mineralization in determining an ecosystem's response to atmospheric CO2 enrichment. We conclude that models are appropriate tools for use both in guiding existing studies and in identifying new hypotheses for future research. Development of models that address the complexities of belowground processes and their role in determining plant and ecosystem function within the context of rising CO2 concentrations and associated climate change should be encouraged.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)149-160
Number of pages12
JournalPlant and Soil
Volume165
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1994

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Soil Science
  • Plant Science

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