C allocation among fine roots, above-, and belowground wood in a deciduous forest and its implication to ecosystem C cycling: a modelling analysis

Abstract. Knowledge about allocation of carbohydrates among tree organs with different life times and decomposition rates is crucial in determining the residence time of carbon (C) in forests and the overall ecosystem C cycling rate. A new model (named CAF) able to simulate C allocation among fine roots, above-, and belowground wood in deciduous forests was developed and integrated into the net ecosystem exchange model FORUG.

CAF draws on growth rules and source-sink relationships. Maintenance and growth of the modelled sinks i.e. fine roots, coarse roots, stems, and branches, are controlled by phenology, environment, and by the reserve of non-structural carbohydrates. CAF was parameterized for 2-y and tested against 6-y observations from a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stand in North-East France, experiencing summer droughts of different intensities.

The model reproduced well (i) the C fluxes allocated annually to assimilation, respiration and biomass production, and (ii) the interannual pattern of wood biomass accumulation. Seasonality of C reserve and wood growth was captured, but some discrepancies were detected at the onset of the growing season.

The allocation pattern differed among years, although the overall net primary production decreased only in case of severe drought. During a year with severe drought, the fraction of C allocated to production of fast-decomposing C pools (e.g. fine roots, C reserve) increased by +13% than years without drought, whereas the same fraction increased on average by +18% in case of low to moderate drought. Carbon invested in biomass during a year with summer drought has therefore a shorter residence time in the ecosystem than the C stored during a year without summer drought.