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).