2024 Volume 33 Issue 3 Pages 84-92
Abstract : It is estimated that the annual gross primary production in tropical rainforests is as high as 1/3 of which produced on terrestrial area. Additionally, about 1/3 of the assimilated products by photosynthesis is allocated to fine root. However, because fine root growth, mortality, and decomposition occur simultaneously in a relatively short period of time in underground, it is difficult to observe them throughout the year to elucidate the factors that affect them. In this mini-review, I present our case study that investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of root dynamics in a Bornean tropical rainforest, Malaysia, using a scanner method. Scanner images were taken at five locations in the forest of Lambir Hills national park. Roots were extracted from scanner images using software, and root lengths were measured for each root diameter. The results showed that there was no clear seasonal pattern in the monthly average amount of fine root growth and mortality. In addition, there was little correlation with climatic factors with peak fine root growth and/or mortality for each location. These results may be due to the lack of clear seasonality in tropical rainforests and high diversity of tree species. Furthermore, very fine roots (<0.5 mm diameter) dominated substantial proportion of fine root growth and mortality. I also stated the challenges and perspectives of research on fine root dynamics using the scanner method.
