The elephant underground: The increasing importance of belowground plant traits

Photo Credit

Linograph by Jitka Klimesova

Linograph by Jitka Klimesova.

To improve our insights into ecological theory and ecosystem processes, we need a more holistic view of plants that incorporates the “unseen elephant” of belowground plant organs and their traits.  Forest Service researchers provide an overview of the current belowground plant trait research, and bring together scientists studying roots, belowground morphological organ types, and bud banks to identify how we can better integrate these fields.

Belowground plant traits of both woody and herbaceous species can offer insight into ecosystem function and response to disturbance around the world. Incorporating the connection between root architecture and perennating organs can provide managers with a more comprehensive picture of nutrient acquisition and storage from a whole-plant perspective.

Roots are the most studied belowground organ but often the organs they are connected to (rhizomes, tubers, etc.) are rarely considered in the literature. Bringing together scientists with expertise in clonal growth organs, bud banks, and roots, we are beginning to conceptualize the future of belowground trait research.