Data from: Fine-root exploitation strategies differ in tropical old-growth and logged-over forests in Ghana

Seven root traits were considered: four associated with resource exploitation potential or an ‘extensive’ strategy (fine-root biomass, length, surface area and volume); and three traits which reflect exploitation efficiency or an ‘intensive’ strategy (specific root area, specific root length and root tissue density). We found that total fine-root biomass, length, surface area, volume, and fine-root tissue density were higher in the logged-over forest, whereas the old-growth forest had higher total specific root length and specific root surface area than the logged-over forest.

The results suggest different root exploitation strategies between the forests. Plants in the old-growth forest invest root biomass more efficiently to maximize soil volume explored, whereas plants in the logged-over forest increase the spatial distribution of roots resulting in the expansion of the rhizosphere.

Usage notes

Fine-root traits in tropical old-growth and logged-over forests This data file contains mean fine-root (< 2 mm in diameter) biomass, architectural and morphological traits measured in a tropical old-growth forest, and in a 54-year-old logged-over forest in Ghana. Addo-Danso et al. 2018-Mean fine root biomass-architectural and morphological traits.xlsx