About this Research Topic
Roots play a key role in tree growth and ecological function in forests and can be characterized by their functional traits such as anatomy, morphology, chemistry, physiology, biomass allocation, and mycorrhizal partners. In recent decades, attention has been paid to root traits that substantially influence ecological processes and response to climate change. Evidence suggests that root traits are multidimensional and could provide a unique belowground perspective on forest structure and function and on forestry application. However, the linkages of root traits to specific eco-physiological characteristics, such as drought resistance, and forest management, such as commercial thinning, are still not well understood.
This Research Topic aims to address the root functional traits in the context of forest ecology and management, not only to consider how root functional traits vary with species, growth form, mycorrhizal type, and ecosystem, but also to disentangle their relationships with ecological processes, environmental changes, and forestry practices, thereby deepening our understanding of the role of root functional traits in carbon and nutrient cycles, hydraulic process, community assembly, and the response of the ecosystem to forestry management.
We welcome the submission of original research or review articles in all aspects of fine root functional traits. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Variation of functional root traits along an environmental gradient
- Root economics space of woody and nonwoody plants in forests
- The shift of root functional traits with individual ontogeny
- Interaction between root functional traits and hydraulic processes
- The role of root functional traits in carbon and nutrient cycling
- Relations of root functional traits to soil organisms and fertility
- Response of root functional traits to silvicultural practices
- The impact of biodiversity on root functional traits
- The application of root functional traits in ecological restoration
This Research Topic aims to address the root functional traits in the context of forest ecology and management, not only to consider how root functional traits vary with species, growth form, mycorrhizal type, and ecosystem, but also to disentangle their relationships with ecological processes, environmental changes, and forestry practices, thereby deepening our understanding of the role of root functional traits in carbon and nutrient cycles, hydraulic process, community assembly, and the response of the ecosystem to forestry management.
We welcome the submission of original research or review articles in all aspects of fine root functional traits. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Variation of functional root traits along an environmental gradient
- Root economics space of woody and nonwoody plants in forests
- The shift of root functional traits with individual ontogeny
- Interaction between root functional traits and hydraulic processes
- The role of root functional traits in carbon and nutrient cycling
- Relations of root functional traits to soil organisms and fertility
- Response of root functional traits to silvicultural practices
- The impact of biodiversity on root functional traits
- The application of root functional traits in ecological restoration
Keywords: Absorptive root, Fine root, Root functional trait, Forest restoration, Forest management, Silviculture, Ecosystem service, Plantation, Mixed-species plantation, Root lifespan, Fine root biomass, Root decomposition
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
