Is above- and belowground phenology of Eriophorum vaginatum in sync in a peatland underlain by permafrost?

Sammanfattning: The phenology of plants in northern ecosystems is currently changing. Roots have a key role in these ecosystems, though the phenology of roots is still poorly understood. The aim of this report was to investigate if above- and belowground phenology of the circumpolar sedge Eriophorum vaginatum was synchronized in a subarctic peatland underlain by permafrost, and to investigate which abiotic factors are limiting root growth. Additionally, the length of the belowground growing season was examined. The study was performed with a non-destructive in situ method (minirhizotrons and NDVI measurements) in the northernmost part of Sweden. Both above- and belowground phenology was measured biweekly during the whole growing season in 2016. The depth of the active layer, air temperature, soil temperature and soil moisture were measured to investigate the determinants of root growth. Root growth and aboveground activity was asynchronous, as peak in root growth occurred on average 21 days before maximum NDVI was reached. Soil temperature and thaw depth seem to be important factors regulating root growth in this peatland. The result highlight that solely studying the aboveground parts of plants can give a misleading interpretation about the phenology of the entire plant and thus during which time periods important ecosystem processes take place. Hence, to more accurate forecast ecosystem responses to global warming, both aboveground and belowground phenology should be considered.