Consequences of tropical rainforest conversion to tree plantations on fine root dynamics and functional traits

Despite the crucial role of fine roots for water and nutrient uptake, soil biological activity ecosystem carbon cycling, response root dynamics to rapidly advancing land-use change in tropics is still poorly understood. To address this uncertainty, we investigated consequences tropical forest conversion intensively managed tree plantations a suite functional traits. We analysed morphology (diameter, specific length (SRL), tissue density) chemistry, as well lifespans four prevalent systems lowlands Sumatra (Indonesia), namely natural forest, jungle rubber, rubber oil palm monocultures. Fine production was estimated using three independent approaches (sequential coring, ingrowth cores, mini-rhizotrons). Contradicting expected trend from more conservative acquisitive traits with increasing intensity, found that SRL density were significantly higher trees, while diameter largest trees N content lowest system. Median longevity top 11% (238 days) than (211 days), 50% greater (140 (125 days). (ranging between 2 9 Mg ha−1 year−1) stands, but annual totals varied depending on methodological approach. Conversion lowland agricultural altered community-level morphology, longevity, likely cycling activity. However, intensification did not consistently lead systems; rather, differences driven by species-specific trait syndromes especially palm.