Mycorrhizal and N-fixing root symbioses evolved at two points in the past when global CO2 was highest, consistent with the high demand these symbioses place on host C. Trees hosting both mycorrhiza and N-fixing bacteria are able to fix more atmospheric CO2 and grow at faster rates than non-symbiotic plants, or plants with only mycorrhiza. We argue that on the basis of this improved C capture, N-fixing trees act as C-pumps, sequestering C and locking it in biomass, thus, if properly managed, can contribute significantly towards the mitigation of rising CO2 levels.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48130/CAS-2021-0009Altmetric score:
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Publication year
2022
Authors
Mortimer, P.E.; Hammond, J.; Hyde, K.D.; Gui, H.; Xu, J.
Language
English
Keywords
roots, symbiosis, pumps, mitigation, mycorrhizal fungi, carbon dioxide
