Coarse root architecture: Neighbourhood and abiotic environmental effects on five tropical tree species growing in mixtures and monocultures

摘要: Abstract Most biodiversity-ecosystem function research focusses above-ground; if it considers roots, fine while coarse roots remain a “black box”. We utilized the Sardinilla experiment in Panama, oldest tropical tree diversity experiment, to test how species mixtures at plot and neighbourhood scales abiotic environmental characteristics affected 7 root traits of 5 species. was planted 2001 with gradient native richness two-, three- five-species their respective monocultures. Root systems 128 mature trees were excavated 0.5 m radially one fully excavated; unexcavated lengths predicted using species-specific allometric relationships. included observed primary length, diameter, number, number secondary per meter root, system extent total length biomass. Tree size scaled positively most traits. Species identity (conspecific or heterospecific) near neighbours found explain more variation (63.0%) than (30.4%). Trees waterlogged plots grew fewer, longer roots. reduced but when growing conspecifics high soil nitrogen greater depth water table. These findings suggest strategies employed by both reduce competition make local conditions, bringing us closer understanding role context BEF forests.