Data from: A trait-based root acquisition-defence-decomposition framework in angiosperm tree species

Plants make trade-offs between root resource acquisition and defence
ability, for adapting to the complex belowground environment. This
includes forming partnerships with different types of root associating
microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi.
These trade-offs, by mediating root chemistry, exert legacy effects on
nutrient release during decomposition, which may, in turn, affect the
ability of new roots to re-acquire resources, thereby generating a
feedback loop. However, the linkages at the basis of this potential
feedback loop remain largely unquantified. Here, we propose a trait-based
root ‘acquisition-defence-decomposition’ conceptual framework and test the
strength of relevant linkages across 90 angiosperm tree species. We show
that, at the plant species level, the root-fungal symbiosis gradient
within the root economics space, root chemical defence (condensed
tannins), and root decomposition rate are closely linked, providing
support to this framework. Beyond the dichotomy between arbuscular
mycorrhizal-dominated versus ectomycorrhizal-dominated systems, we suggest
a continuous shift in feedback loops, from “high arbuscular mycorrhizal
symbiosis-low defence-fast decomposition-inorganic nutrition” by
evolutionarily ancient taxa to “high ectomycorrhizal symbiosis-high
defence-slow decomposition-organic nutrition” by more modern taxa. This
‘acquisition-defence-decomposition’ framework provides solid foundation
for testable hypotheses on the multidimensional linkages between species’
belowground strategies and ecosystem nutrient cycling in evolutionary
context.