Coordination of Traits in Boreal Forest Trees
Author Information
Author(s): Clydecia M. Spitzer, Sandra Jämtgård, Marcus J. Larsson, Michael J. Gundale
Primary Institution: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Hypothesis
Fast-slow strategies will be aligned above- and belowground to form a trait trade-off axis.
Conclusion
The study found partial evidence for coordination of fast-slow traits between above- and belowground tissues in boreal forest trees.
Supporting Evidence
- Leaf nitrogen content and specific leaf area were positively related.
- Species identity explained the largest proportion of trait variation.
- Site explained only a small proportion of the total variation in traits.
Takeaway
This study looked at how tree traits in the ground and above the ground work together in boreal forests, finding that some traits are connected while others are not.
Methodology
The study used two common garden experiments in Sweden to assess trait coordination across twelve boreal tree species.
Limitations
The study did not find strong evidence for trait coordination related to resource acquisition.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website