Abstract
The distribution of assimilated carbon on above- and below-ground plant parts, soil and soil-root respiration was determined in a perennial grass during seven weeks after germination. In a growth chamber with 14C-labelled CO2 in the atmosphere, meadow fescue plants were grown in sealed pots. Respired 14CO2 from roots and microbial decomposition of root material was collected and determined during growth. After seven weeks, 50% of the assimilated carbon was translocated below ground and 19% was released from the roots to the soil. Of the carbon released from the roots, one-fourth was found in the the soil and the rest was determined as soil-root respiration.