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) …

It has been recognized for a long time that the overstorey composition of a forest partly
determines its biological and physical–chemical functioning. Here, we review evidence of …

Intraspecific trait variation is an important driver of plant performance in different
environments. Although roots acquire essential resources that vary with the environment …

In Europe, two commercially important treelike birch species occur naturally: silver birch
(Betula pendula Roth) and downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.). Both species have a wide …

The decade since the publication of the third edition of this volume has been an era of great
progress in biology in general and the plant sciences in particular. This is especially true …

Specific root length (SRL, mg− 1) is probably the most frequently measured morphological
parameter of fine roots. It is believed to characterize economic aspects of the root system …

The root economics space (RES) is multidimensional and largely shaped by belowground
biotic and abiotic influences. However, how root–fungal symbioses and edaphic fertility drive …

There is a fundamental trade‐off between leaf traits associated with either resource
acquisition or resource conservation. This gradient of trait variation, called the economics …

Fine root acclimation to different environmental conditions is crucial for growth and
sustainability of forest trees. Relatively small changes in fine root standing biomass (FRB) …

Optimal resource partitioning theory predicts that plants should increase the ratio between
water absorbing and transpiring surfaces under short water supply. An increase in fine root …