9520843 PUTZ The objective of this proposal is to test hypotheses that relate belowground plant traits to changes in soil fertility. Soil coring, root decomposition bags, root observation windows and fertilization techniques will be used to investigate root mortality, production, and turnover rates. The study will span a natural gradient of soil fertility where other confounding factors, such as temperature, rainfall, and elevation are held nearly constant. Results will augment available information about belowground processes for tropical forest stands, and will be applicable for incorporation into theories of forest dynamics as well as for the restoration and management of forests and plantations.
