Growth, Turnover, and Respiration Rates of Roots and Tillers in Tundra Graminoids

Abstract

In wet arctic tundra, by far the greater part of live vascular plant material is below the surface of the ground and above the upper level of permafrost. In this cold, narrow zone are the perennating storage and absorption systems of the dominant sedges and grasses. These over-wintering systems quickly produce and support photosynthetic leaves during the short, cold season between snowmelt in June and the first sunsets of August. An understanding of tundra productivity requires a knowledge of how much energy is allocated to roots and rhizomes, and how this energy is used in growth and reproduction of the whole plant