Distribution of cutin and suberin biomarkers under forest trees with different root systems

Spielvogel, Sandra; Prietzel, Jörg; Leide, Jana; Riedel, Michael; Zemke, Julian; Kögel-Knabner, Ingrid (2014). Distribution of cutin and suberin biomarkers under forest trees with different root systems. Plant and Soil, 381(1-2), pp. 95-110. Springer 10.1007/s11104-014-2103-z

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Background and aims

Differences in chemical composition of root compounds and root systems among tree species may affect organic matter (OM) distribution, source and composition in forest soils. The objective of this study was to elucidate the contribution of species specific cutin and suberin biomarkers as proxies for shoot- and root-derived organic carbon (OC) to soil OM at different depths with increasing distance to the stems of four different tree species.
Methods

The contribution of cutin- and suberin-derived lipids to OM in a Cutanic Alisol was analyzed with increasing soil depth and distance to the stems of Fagus sylvatica L., Picea abies (L.) Karst., Quercus robur L. and Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco. Cutin and suberin monomers of plants and soils were analyzed by alkaline hydrolysis and subsequent gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.
Results

The amount and distribution of suberin-derived lipids in soil clearly reflected the specific root system of the different tree species. The amount of cutin-derived lipids decreased strongly with soil depth, indicating that the input of leaf/needle material is restricted to the topsoil. In contrast to the suberin-derived lipids, the spatial pattern of cutin monomer contribution to soil OM did not depend on tree species.
Conclusions

Our results document the importance of tree species as a main factor controlling the composition and distribution of OM in forest soils. They reveal the impact of tree species on root-derived OM distribution and the necessity to distinguish among different zones when studying soil OM storage in forests.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

08 Faculty of Science > Institute of Geography > Physical Geography > Unit Soil Science

UniBE Contributor:

Spielvogel, Sandra Irene

Subjects:

900 History > 910 Geography & travel

ISSN:

0032-079X

Publisher:

Springer

Language:

English

Submitter:

Monika Wälti-Stampfli

Date Deposited:

14 Sep 2015 13:25

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 14:49

Publisher DOI:

10.1007/s11104-014-2103-z

BORIS DOI:

10.7892/boris.71606

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/71606

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