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Carbon cycle

The roots of the matter

Perhaps the most scientifically challenging phase of the terrestrial carbon cycle occurs below ground. Innovative experiments, carried out in northern Sweden, illustrate the huge influence of roots and associated fungi.

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Figure 1: The main carbon fluxes and their controls in boreal forests.

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Chapin, F., Ruess, R. The roots of the matter. Nature 411, 749–751 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/35081219

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