Root of the problem: Improving terrestrial biosphere models with root dynamics

What is it about?

It is easy to forget about the enormous network of roots buried below the soil, but the functions they perform – such as biogeochemical cycling and the control of land surface energy and water balances – are essential, and as such they have been well-studied. Despite this, the inclusion of roots in all-encompassing terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) has so far been very basic, with many of their key attributes not accounted for at all. Current root function models In this review, the researchers examine current models across a range of different scales, from the dynamics of single roots all the way up to a landscape scale. This analysis demonstrates that model distribution of roots tends to be static and discrete, meaning it cannot provide an adequate representation of all the processes roots are involved in such as carbon, water and energy fluxes. Improving the models Having established the current situation, the team suggests improvements that would incorporate roots into TBMs as the dynamic components that they really are. This includes making use of the breadth of knowledge available concerning root function, creating new modelling platforms and, crucially, developing high quality databases of root, soil and environmental dynamics.

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