Fine Root Production of Astringent Phenolics

Author(s)

Robert N. Muller, University of Kentucky
Paul J. Kalisz, Northern Kentucky University
James O. Luken, Northern Kentucky University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-1989

Publication Source

Oecologia

Abstract

Chemical quality of fine roots (diameter) was determined over a gradient of species composition in the Mixed Mesophytic Forest Region. Ash-free nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations of roots declined by 49, 41, and 72%, respectively, over a gradient of increasing soil acidity (pH 5.3 to 4.7). Lignin concentration was unrelated to either the vegetation gradient or any of the soil changes it encompassed; however, astringent phenolics increased by 275% over the same gradient. Trends in the chemical constituency of fine roots suggest that the production of phenolics in below-ground plant parts is increased on nutrient-poor sites. This response is best related to changes in species composition, especially increasing importancy of Quercus spp.

Inclusive pages

563-565

ISBN/ISSN

Electronic ISSN: 1432-1939; Print ISSN: 0029-8549

Comments

This article is included in the repository because its author is a regular co-author of University of Dayton faculty member Ryan W. McEwan, and the research in it is at the foundation of the McEwan Lab's work in Lilley Cornett Woods. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00378676

Publisher

Springer

Volume

79

Peer Reviewed

yes

eCommons Citation

Muller, Robert N.; Kalisz, Paul J.; and Luken, James O., "Fine Root Production of Astringent Phenolics" (1989). Biology Faculty Publications. 380.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/bio_fac_pub/380