Root ingrowth alters the balance of C in SOM pools
Of the litter C that remained in SOM, root ingrowth altered the balance
of C between SOM pools. Root ingrowth decreased the proportion of litter
C remaining in light POM by 32% (Fig. 3a , p<0.001)
and increased the proportion of litter C incorporation into protected
heavy POM by 30% (Fig. 3b , p=0.001) relative to both root
exclusion treatments. Roots did not significantly alter the
incorporation of litter C into MAOM (Fig. 3c ). There were no
significant differences between fungal only and fungal exclusion
treatments.