RhizoNet currently spans more than 10 sites and will include direct observations of belowground dynamics in over 70 species. These observations are primarily based in monospecific plots but also includes multi-species competition trials and additional observations will be collected for a subset of species across multiple sites characterized by different climate and soil characteristics. Coupled with long-term repeated belowground observations will be a set of complementary aboveground observations as well as intensive biomass assessments
Many of the questions that underpin the creation of RhizoNet are centered on belowground dynamics and linkages between aboveground and belowground processes.
Many of the questions that underpin the creation of RhizoNet are centered on belowground dynamics and linkages between aboveground and belowground processes.
- How do lifespan, turnover, and phenology of fine roots and soil fungi vary across species and environments? How does this variation impact plant function and ecosystem productivity?
- What suites of belowground and whole-plant traits are coordinated or independent? Where do fundamental tradeoffs exist?
- What direct and indirect interactions exist between fine root biomass, root demography, and soil microbial communities? How can these complex relationships be better quantified?
- What root and belowground processes express relatively small and relatively large variation across species and across environmental gradients? Where large variation exists, can broad, predictable patterns be identified to simplify modeling efforts?
- What information might be required to develop a complete and mechanistic model of fine root and rhizosphere functioning? How might this complete model be simplified in such a way that still captures the majority of variability in rhizosphere activity with minimal computational effort?