Shade alters the growth and architecture of tropical grasses by reducing root biomass

Abstract Tropical grassy biomes have variable tree cover and are often characterized by a flammable ground layer where the dominating grass species strategies to persist proliferate with frequent fire. However, there is limited understanding of how growth flammability traits respond light availability. We experimentally grew 14 characteristic Malagasy Central Highlands for one year four treatments exclusion ranging from 0 – 60%. Eight plant functional leaf were measured: height, bulk density, aboveground biomass, belowground ratio root shoot specific area, length, width, heat release capacity, temperature maximum decomposition, total peak rate. Belowground density all negatively affected decreasing Surprisingly, biomass showed no significant change changing availability, although was trend toward shorter plants in low light. At level, declining availability increased width. In terms flammability, measured, unexpectedly, only significantly positively related These results suggest field alterations may be primarily architecture microclimates. The shifts allometry substantial reduction that grasses would rapidly lost shaded environments diminished competitive capacity resprout.