Conversion of tropical forests to agriculture contributes significantly to global warming, causing an estimated 12Â18% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, estimates of ecosystem carbon fluxes are not accurate mainly because of the limited understanding of their belowground components. Root dynamics, i.e. root production, mortality and decomposition, are crucial elements of ecosystem functioning; an understanding of root dynamics is required to estimate the carbon cycle accurately.
 Conversion of tropical forests to agriculture contributes significantly to global warming, causing an estimated 12Â18% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, estimates of ecosystem carbon fluxes are not accurate mainly because of the limited understanding of their belowground compo...