Carbon allocation plays a critical role in forest ecosystem carbon cycling. We reviewed
existing literature and compiled annual carbon budgets for forest ecosystems to test a series …

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the evidence for the pattern of growth decline with
age and discusses the evidence for the mechanisms that may be responsible. It begins with …

Root turnover is a critical component of ecosystem nutrient dynamics and carbon
sequestration and is also an important sink for plant primary productivity. We tested global …

Root decomposition represents a significant C flux in terrestrial ecosystems. Roots are
exposed to a different decomposition environment than aboveground tissues, and few …

We analysed data on mass loss after five years of decomposition in the field from both fine
root and leaf litters from two highly contrasting trees, Drypetes glauca, a tropical hardwood …

Each perennial woody plant is a highly integrated system of competing carbohydrate sinks
(utilization sites). Internal competition for carbohydrates is shown by changes in rates of …

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the competing theories of root lifespan and
reviews the evidence available to support them. New methods of root observation and …

Ecosystem simulation models use descriptive input parameters to establish the physiology,
biochemistry, structure, and allocation patterns of vegetation functional types, or biomes. For …

Patterns of both above-and belowground biomass and production were evaluated using
published information from 200 individual data-sets. Data sets were comprised of the …

The production and turnover of fine roots (diameter⩽ 2mm) contributes significantly to
carbon cycling in forest ecosystems. We compiled an up-to-date global database covering …