title: A15N tracer technique for assessing fine root production and mortality.
abstract: We tested a15N tracer technique to assess fine root production and mortality based on temporal measurements of the15N mass in fine root structural tissues and the15N concentration of the plant-available soil N pool. The results of a pilot study indicated that this technique is based on sound methods and reasonable assumptions. The15N tracer technique avoids most of the major limitations which hinder existing methods and may provide valuable insight into the rates and controls of fine root production and mortality in terrestrial ecosystems.
authors.affiliation: Complex Systems Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Ocean, and Space, Morse Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA, , , , , , US.
authors.forename: Joseph J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Hendricks
authors.affiliation: The Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA, , , , , , US.
authors.forename: Knute J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Nadelhoffer
authors.affiliation: Complex Systems Research Center, Institute for the Study of Earth, Ocean, and Space, Morse Hall, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA, , , , , , US.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Aber
keywords: 15N; Key words Fine roots; Methodology; Mortality; Production