Table 3.

Recommended storage methods of washed roots for further root trait measurements.

Storage method	Acceptable storage period	Biomass	Chemistry	Morphology	Mycorrhizal colonisation	Anatomy
Oven drying c. 60°C	> 1 yr	√	√ (total C, N, P, etc.)		√
Freeze drying	> 1 yr		√ (labile/volatile; carbohydrates)
+4°C	< 2 d			√
−20°C	< 1 yr			√
−80°C	> 1 yr			√
Ethanol : water 60–95% : 40–5% v/v	< 2–4 wk at 20°C; < 1 yr at 4°C			√	√
Glutaraldehyde : formaldehyde : cacodylate, 2% : 2% : 96% v/v						√