Table 1.
Fine root traits measured in this study with their units, as well as their ecological relevance.
| Root trait | Unit | Ecological relevance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical | Carbon (C) content | % | Carbon source for microbes |
| Nitrogen (N) content | % | Nutrients for microorganisms | |
| C : N ratio | – | Tissue quality | |
| Phenol : N ratio | mg g−1 | Investment in defence | |
| Total phenol | mg g−1 | Investment in defence | |
| Morphological | Average diameter | mm | Space for mycorrhizal hyphae |
| Dry matter content | mg mg−1 | Tissue density and quality | |
| Forks per root length | forks cm−1 | Soil exploration | |
| Specific root tip abundance | tips mg−1 | Soil exploration | |
| Specific root area | cm2 mg−1 | Nutrient absorption | |
| Specific root length | cm mg−1 | Soil exploration |