Rock fragment content in soils shift root foraging behavior in xerophytic species

Root traits associated with resource foraging, including fine-root branching intensity, root hair, and mycorrhiza, may change in soils that vary rock fragment content (RFC), while how these covary at the level of individual order is largely unknown. We subjected two xerophytic species, Artemisia vestita (subshrub) Bauhinia brachycarpa (shrub), to increasing RFC gradients (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, v v− 1) an arid environment measured related foraging. hair density mycorrhizal colonization both species decreased order, but increased third- or fourth-order roots high RFCs (50% 75%) compared low RFCs. The tend produce more hairs than mycorrhizas under For intensity were negatively correlated length diameter across Rockiness reduced comparing rock-free soil. At same RFC, A. had thicker lower B. tended hairs. Our results suggest soil conditions stimulated greater foraging functions higher orders. found evidence for a investment symbioses as opposed building extensive system rocky soils. studied, brachycarpa, took different approaches through distinctive trait syndromes components.