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Small differences in root distributions allow resource niche partitioning
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  • Andrew Kulmatiski,
  • Karen Beard,
  • Martin Holdrege,
  • Edmund February
Andrew Kulmatiski
Utah State University

Corresponding Author:andrewkulmatiski@hotmail.com

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Karen Beard
Utah State University
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Martin Holdrege
Utah State University
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Edmund February
University of Cape Town
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Abstract

1. Deep roots have long been thought to allow trees to coexist with shallow-rooted grasses. Due to the difficulties of working belowground, data demonstrating water uptake and niche partitioning are uncommon. 2. We describe tree and grass root distributions using a depth-specific tracer experiment in a subtropical savanna, Kruger National Park, South Africa. The depth-specific tracer experiment was conducted three times during each of two growing seasons. These point-in-time measurements (i.e., tracer-defined root distributions) were then used in a soil water flow model to estimate continuous water uptake by depth and plant growth form (trees and grasses) across the two growing seasons. 3. Most active tree and grass roots were in shallow soils: the mean depth of water uptake was 22 cm for trees and 17 cm for grasses. However, slightly deeper rooting distributions provided trees with 5% more soil water than the grasses in a drier precipitation year, but 13% less water in a wet year. Small differences in rooting distributions also provided both trees and grasses with depths and times at which each rooting distributions (tree or grass) could extract more soil water than the other (i.e., unique hydrological niches of 4 to 13 mm water). 4. The effect of rooting distributions has long been inferred. By quantifying the depth and timing of water uptake, this research demonstrated that even though rooting distributions appeared similar, they provided trees and grasses with more total water, access to a unique hydrologic niche, or both. This approach demonstrated how even small differences in rooting distributions can provide plants with resource niches that can contribute to species coexistence.
21 May 2020Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
27 May 2020Submission Checks Completed
27 May 2020Assigned to Editor
29 May 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 Jun 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
16 Jun 20201st Revision Received
17 Jun 2020Submission Checks Completed
17 Jun 2020Assigned to Editor
17 Jun 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 Jul 2020Editorial Decision: Accept
Sep 2020Published in Ecology and Evolution volume 10 issue 18 on pages 9776-9787. 10.1002/ece3.6612