Root Dynamics And Global Change

This book addresses root dynamics in the face of a globally changing environment and asks the key questions: do atmospheric and climatic changes alter root production and root longevity? How do the changes impact on the whole plant and its microbial symbiotic partners? And, ultimately, how do these changes alter the ecosystem itself? The ecosystem perspective is especially important - root turnover is a key component of ecosystem metabolism and the capacity of ecosystems to store carbon. It is clear that the prime challenges still concern how to reach and analyze the roots themselves, but where there are gaps in our knowledge, many researchers are finding that the visible half of the plant - the leaves - often provide a good analogy for roots. The reviews and original research reported here provide a comprehensive overview of the subject, and point the way ahead for systematic scientific exploration of this timely and compelling topic.