3.3 Temporal dynamics of fine root distribution with growth
The fine root distribution patterns in the soil profiles did not change with years of growth (Fig. 3 and S2–S5); however, the depth and mean values of fine root traits in the entire soil profile changed considerably (Fig. 4 and 5). Rooting depth, biomass, and length density of fine roots in the three woody species increased with increasing years, and the range of increase declined with increasing RFC (Fig. 4). However, these parameters in A. vestita decreased with increasing years (Fig. 3, 4, and S1). For all species, fine root specific length increased and its diameter decreased with increase in years for all RFC levels (Fig. 4 and 5), and the interannual variations were maximum under 75% RFC (Fig. 4).