Database - Develop a root trait database, with plans to interface with the TRY database and to be freely-accessible to the broader modeling and empirical community through the ORNL DAAC. Click here for a list of root and rhizosphere parameters included in the database so far. *Please send us your data !*

Model interface - In collaboration with Dali Wang and others, develop a modularized version of the Community Land Model that can be used test the effects of environmental drivers on root and rhizosphere dynamics, and to test the effects of changing model parameters (e.g., root phenology and depth distribution) on ecosystem processes. The module will be available on-line,  in a GUI format, to make it accessible to modelers and empiricists alike.

Model structure – Add an additional fine-root pool to the Community Land Model representing ephemeral, absorptive roots, and parameterize for different plant functional types with data compiled in the root trait database.

Survey – Gain a consensus from the broader community on the relative importance of different root traits. Use resulting feedback to focus collection of trait data for database, and in future experiments, for prioritization of model improvement.