The model of root efficiency does not currently take into account interactions with mycorrhiza and assumes that root uptake and respiration are constant through the life of the root. The logical next step is to:
To examine the seasonal and age-related interactions with symbiotic fungi to investigate if these fast- and slow-growing species have equal rates of colonization and levels of infection.
To examine the age-dependent change in uptake and respiration of fine roots of these fast- and slow-growing species.
To test if there is a correlation of peak root efficiency with measurements of fine root lifespan.