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 fra..., , , # Data and Code for the article \"A trait-based root acquisition-defence-decomposition framework in angiosperm tree species\" --- We have submitted our raw and processed trait data (**Data_Root_traits.xlsx**), R script supporting the data analysis of this study (**2024ADD_Rcode.R**), and processed data used for R script ( **90Treedata.xlsx** ; **PCAdata.xlsx**). ## Descriptions ### **Data\_Root traits.xlsx** * *1_Notes and Variable List*: The Variable List and relevant notes for this dataset. * *2_Species information*: Information on 90 angiosperm tree species used in this study, including site, mycorrhizal type, taxonomic information (species, genus, family, order, superorder), and forested biome. * *3_Root traits (mean+se)*: The species name (Species) and the species mean trait values (Trait) and corresponding standard errors (Trait-se). * *4_Raw and Processed (90speceis)*: Mycorrhizal type (Mycorrhizal), Site, the species name (Species), species mean trait values (Trait), For the ...