Variation in root architecture among switchgrass cultivars impacts root decomposition rates

Roots regulate soil carbon (C) input, but fine root decomposition rates and root impacts on soil organic C turnover (SOC) are uncertain. This uncertainty is, partly, caused by the heterogeneity of root systems, which vary in diameter distributions and tissue chemistry. Here, we evaluated how root diameter distributions affect root and SOC decomposition. Roots from eight Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) cultivars were analyzed for root diameter size-class distribution and C:N ratio. Roots from each cultivar were mixed with C3 soil according to five root diameter treatments: (1) 0–0.5 mm, (2) 0.5–1 mm, (3) 1–2.5 mm, (4) a 1:1:1 mixture of roots from each diameter size class, and (5) a mixture combining diameter classes in proportions representing measured size distributions for each cultivar. All treatments were incubated for 90 days under laboratory conditions. Respired CO2 was measured throughout and the microbial community structure was measured at termination of the experiment. Carbon-13 isotope techniques were used to partition respiration into root-derived C versus native SOC-derived C. Results indicated: (1) specific root length differed among the cultivars, (2) root decomposition rates within the three size classes varied by cultivar, but were not correlated with cultivar differences in root C:N ratios, (3) root diameter size class affected root and SOC decomposition, and (4) mixing roots of different diameters did not lead to synergistic increases in decomposition. We conclude that intraspecific variation in root architecture is significant and that fine root diameter size class distribution is an important trait for shaping decomposition processes. ► Specific root length and root C:N ratio differs among switchgrass cultivars. ► Root decomposition within fine root diameter size classes varies by cultivar. ► Root diameter size class within fine roots affects root and SOC decomposition. ► Increased root diameter heterogeneity does not increase decomposition rates. ► Root diameter size class is an important trait in shaping decomposition processes.