Are fine roots of both shrubs and perennial grasses able to occupy the upper soil layer? A study case in the arid Patagonian Monte of Argentina with non-seasonal precipitation.

RODRIGUEZ, M.V; BERTILLER, M.B; BISIGATO, A.J.

PLANT AND SOIL

Springer

Año: 2007 vol. 300 p. 281 - 288

0032-079X

We tested whether both shrubs and grasses are able to develop similar active fine-root systems in the upper soil layer of the arid Patagonian Monte ecosystem with non-seasonal precipitation. We selected in the field shrub patches consisting of one isolated modal plant of the dominant shrub Larrea divaricata Larrea divaricata  Cav., grass patches formed by one or more bunches of the dominant grass Stipa tenuis Phil. (15 cm diameter),  and mixed patches consisting of one individual of L.  divaricata with bunches of S. tenuis under its canopy. We assessed the biomass, regrowth, and activity of fine roots (diameter