Carbon allocation traits are coordinated across plant organs, yet dry matter content is decoupled in three Mediterranean woody species

Trait-based functional ecology often assumes that plant organs (e.g. leaf, stem, root) having dense tissues (high dry matter content; DMC) are carbon (C)-expensive. However, this assumption remains largely untested. Here, we examine whether 1) C-allocation traits co-vary forming coordinated functional strategies, 2) isotopic composition of leaf carbon (δ13C) can be effectively traced across organs and can estimate C present in upper soil layers thereby forming a plant-soil continuum, and 3) easy-to-collect traits can predict key soil ecosystem functions (C stock, nutrient status).