Repetitive seasonal drought causes substantial species?specific shifts in fine?root longevity and spatio?temporal production patterns in mature temperate forest trees

Temperate forest ecosystems are exposed to a higher frequency, duration and severity of drought. To promote longevity in changing climate, we require better understanding the long-term impacts repetitive drought events on fine-root dynamics mature forests. Using minirhizotron methods, investigated effect seasonal single-species mixed-species arrangements Fagus sylvatica (European beech) Picea abies (Norway spruce) by means 4-yr-long throughfall-exclusion experiment. Fine-root production both species decreased under However, this reduction was not evident for P. when grown intermixed with F. sylvatica. Throughfall-exclusion prolonged lifespan roots but did change roots, except 2016. responded reducing at specific depths during roof closure. This is first study examine trends events. Species-specific responses have implications rate depth root-derived organic matter supply soil. From root perspective, intermixing tree beneficial all dampens belowground productivity abies.