The search for a root economics spectrum (RES) has been sparked by recent interest in trait‐
based plant ecology. By analogy with the one‐dimensional leaf economics spectrum (LES) …

Root, stem and leaf traits are thought to be functionally coordinated to maximize the
efficiency of acquiring and using limited resources. However, evidence is mixed for …

While it is known that interactions between plants and soil fungi drive many essential
ecosystem functions, considerable uncertainty exists over the drivers of fungal community …

Increasing atmospheric N deposition and changes in precipitation patterns could profoundly
impact forest community structure and ecosystem functions. However, most N and water (W) …

Ecological theory is built on trade-offs, where trait differences among species evolved as
adaptations to different environments. Trade-offs are often assumed to be bidirectional …

Although fine roots are important components of the global carbon cycle, there is limited
understanding of root structure–function relationships among species. We determined …

The root economics spectrum (RES), a common hypothesis postulating a tradeoff between
resource acquisition and conservation traits, is being challenged by conflicting relationships …

Root exudation stimulates microbial decomposition and enhances nutrient availability to
plants. It remains difficult to measure and predict this carbon flux in natural conditions …

Variation and tradeoffs within and among plant traits are increasingly being harnessed by
empiricists and modelers to understand and predict ecosystem processes under changing …

Fine‐root traits play key roles in ecosystem processes, but the drivers of fine‐root trait
diversity remain poorly understood. The plant economic spectrum (PES) hypothesis predicts …