Global Root Data On-Line

The ORNL DAAC announces the release of four global data sets on root characteristics. The data were compiled from a variety of scientific literature dating as far back as the 1950s.

• "Global Distribution of Fine Root Biomass in Terrestrial Ecosystems"details root biomass, rooting profiles, and nutrient concentrations in roots.
• "Global Distribution of Root Nutrient Concentrations in Terrestrial Ecosystems" contains nutrient measurements for fine roots.
• "Global Distribution of Root Profiles in Terrestrial Ecosystems" gives estimates of rooting depth.
• "Global Distribution of Root Turnover in Terrestrial Ecosystems" provides estimates of root turnover rates calculated from measurements of live root standing crop and from belowground net primary production.

See the Vegetation Collections page to access the root data and documentation maintained by the ORNL DAAC.