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Liang H, Yang L, He X, Wu Q, Chen D, Liu M, Shen P. Rhizosphere Ventilation Effects on Root Development and Bacterial Diversity of Peanut in Compacted Soil. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:790. [PMID: 38592790 PMCID: PMC10975058 DOI: 10.3390/plants13060790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Soil compaction is one of the crucial factors that restrains the root respiration, energy metabolism and growth of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) due to hypoxia, which can be alleviated by ventilation. We therefore carried out a pot experiment with three treatments: no ventilation control (CK), (2) ventilation volumes at 1.2 (T1), and 1.5 (T2) times of the standard ventilation volume (2.02 L/pot). Compared to no-ventilation in compacted soil, ventilation T1 significantly increased total root length, root surface area, root volume and tips at the peanut anthesis stage (62 days after sowing), while T2 showed a negative impact on the above-mentioned root morphological characteristics. At the podding stage (S2, 95 days after sowing), both ventilation treatments improved root morphology, especially under T1. Compared to CK, both ventilation T1 and T2 decreased the activities of enzymes involving the anaerobic respiration, including root lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase. The activities of antioxidant enzymes of root superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase also decreased at S1, while superoxide dismutase and peroxidase significantly increased under T1 at S2. The ventilation of compacted soil changed soil nitrogen-fixing bacterial communities, with highest bacterial alpha diversity indices under T1. The Pearson correlation analyses indicated a positive relationship between the relative abundance of Bradyrhizobiaceae and root activity, and between unclassified_family of Rhizobiales and the root surface area, while Enterobacteriaceae had a negative impact on the root nodule number. The Pearson correlation test showed that the root surface, tips and activity positively correlated with root superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities. These results demonstrate that soil ventilation could enhance plant root growth, the diversity and function of soil nitrogen-fixing bacterial communities. The generated results from this present study could serve as important evidence in alleviating soil hypoxia caused by compaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Liang
- Shandong Peanut Research Institute/Key Laboratory of Peanut Biology, Genetics & Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266100, China; (H.L.); (L.Y.); (Q.W.); (D.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Liyu Yang
- Shandong Peanut Research Institute/Key Laboratory of Peanut Biology, Genetics & Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266100, China; (H.L.); (L.Y.); (Q.W.); (D.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Xinhua He
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia;
- Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 90616, USA
| | - Qi Wu
- Shandong Peanut Research Institute/Key Laboratory of Peanut Biology, Genetics & Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266100, China; (H.L.); (L.Y.); (Q.W.); (D.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Dianxu Chen
- Shandong Peanut Research Institute/Key Laboratory of Peanut Biology, Genetics & Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266100, China; (H.L.); (L.Y.); (Q.W.); (D.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Miao Liu
- Shandong Peanut Research Institute/Key Laboratory of Peanut Biology, Genetics & Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266100, China; (H.L.); (L.Y.); (Q.W.); (D.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Pu Shen
- Shandong Peanut Research Institute/Key Laboratory of Peanut Biology, Genetics & Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266100, China; (H.L.); (L.Y.); (Q.W.); (D.C.); (M.L.)
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Lucas M, Santiago JP, Chen J, Guber A, Kravchenko A. The soil pore structure encountered by roots affects plant-derived carbon inputs and fate. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 240:515-528. [PMID: 37532958 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Plant roots are the main supplier of carbon (C) to the soil, the largest terrestrial C reservoir. Soil pore structure drives root growth, yet how it affects belowground C inputs remains a critical knowledge gap. By combining X-ray computed tomography with 14 C plant labelling, we identified root-soil contact as a previously unrecognised influence on belowground plant C allocations and on the fate of plant-derived C in the soil. Greater contact with the surrounding soil, when the growing root encounters a pore structure dominated by small (< 40 μm Ø) pores, results in strong rhizodeposition but in areas of high microbial activity. The root system of Rudbeckia hirta revealed high plasticity and thus maintained high root-soil contact. This led to greater C inputs across a wide range of soil pore structures. The root-soil contact Panicum virgatum, a promising bioenergy feedstock crop, was sensitive to the encountered structure. Pore structure built by a polyculture, for example, restored prairie, can be particularly effective in promoting lateral root growth and thus root-soil contact and associated C benefits. The findings suggest that the interaction of pore structure with roots is an important, previously unrecognised, stimulus of soil C gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Lucas
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Department of Soil System Sciences, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Halle (Saale), 06110, Germany
| | - James P Santiago
- Plant Resilience Institute and MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Jinyi Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Andrey Guber
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Alexandra Kravchenko
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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Mondal S, Chakraborty D. Root growth and physiological responses in wheat to topsoil and subsoil compaction with or without artificial vertical macropores. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18834. [PMID: 37576250 PMCID: PMC10415892 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of soil compaction can cause various stresses on roots, ultimately limiting their growth and development within the soil. Understanding this phenomenon in real-world conditions can be challenging since the growth of roots is influenced by the soil environment. To investigate this issue, four experiments were conducted to examine the impact of topsoil (two in pots: with clay loam and sandy loam soils under two soil water regimes) and subsoil (in rhizobox: one with clay loam soil and the other with sandy loam soil, containing artificial vertical macropores) compaction on the relationship between edaphic factors and the physiological response of wheat roots. The topsoil compaction reduced root length, volume, and weight by 30-50% and the root diameter by ∼15% compared to the non-compact soil. The effect was reduced in the soil with higher clay content (clay loam), especially under the limited soil water condition. Plant physiological responses were adversely affected by compaction with a reduction in plant height. The transpiration rate was highly impacted (21-47% reduction) with the build-up of intercellular CO2 content in leaves (13-31%), especially with limited water applications. Root growth was severely restricted (>60%) in the compact subsoil layer, although the surface area and volume of roots increased in the overlying non-compact layer. Naturally occurring or artificial vertical macropores acted as escape channels, facilitating the roots to pass through the compact subsoil and grow abundantly in the loose soil below. However, plants in field conditions encounter a mix of loose and compact soil zones. By studying how roots respond to this soil heterogeneity, we can develop strategies to reduce the negative effects of soil compaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Debashis Chakraborty
- Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110 012, India
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Squire GR, Young MW, Banks G. Post-Intensification Poaceae Cropping: Declining Soil, Unfilled Grain Potential, Time to Act. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2742. [PMID: 37514356 PMCID: PMC10384148 DOI: 10.3390/plants12142742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The status and sustainability of Poaceae crops, wheat and barley, were examined in an Atlantic zone climate. Intensification had caused yield to rise 3-fold over the last 50 years but had also degraded soil and biodiversity. Soil carbon and nitrogen were compared with current growth and yield of crops. The yield gap was estimated and options considered for raising yield. Organic carbon stores in the soil (C-soil) ranged from <2% in intensified systems growing long-season wheat to >4% in low-input, short-season barley and grass. Carbon acquisition by crops (C-crop) was driven mainly by length of season and nitrogen input. The highest C-crop was 8320 kg ha-1 C in long-season wheat supported by >250 kg ha-1 mineral N fertiliser and the lowest 1420 kg ha-1 in short-season barley fertilised by livestock grazing. Sites were quantified in terms of the ratio C-crop to C-soil, the latter estimated as the mass of carbon in the upper 0.25 m of soil. C-crop/C-soil was <1% for barley in low-input systems, indicating the potential of the region for long-term carbon sequestration. In contrast, C-crop/C-soil was >10% in high-input wheat, indicating vulnerability of the soil to continued severe annual disturbance. The yield gap between the current average and the highest attainable yield was quantified in terms of the proportion of grain sink that was unfilled. Intensification had raised yield through a 3- to 4-fold increase in grain number per unit field area, but the potential grain sink was still much higher than the current average yield. Filling the yield gap may be possible but could only be achieved with a major rise in applied nitrogen. Sustainability in Poaceae cropping now faces conflicting demands: (a) conserving and regenerating soil carbon stores in high-input systems, (b) reducing GHG emissions and other pollution from N fertiliser, (c) maintaining the yield or closing the yield gap, and (d) readjusting production among food, feed, and alcohol markets. Current cropping systems are unlikely to satisfy these demands. Transitions are needed to alternative systems based on agroecological management and biological nitrogen fixation.
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Hobson DJ, Harty MA, Langton D, McDonnell K, Tracy SR. The establishment of winter wheat root system architecture in field soils: The effect of soil type on root development in a temperate climate. SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT 2023; 39:198-208. [PMID: 37033407 PMCID: PMC10078784 DOI: 10.1111/sum.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important cereal crop in the temperate climates of western Europe. Root system architecture is a significant contributor to resource capture and plant resilience. However, the impact of soil type on root system architecture (RSA) in field structured soils is yet to be fully assessed. This work studied the development of root growth using deep cultivation (250 mm) during the tillering phase stage (Zadock stage 25) of winter wheat across three soil types. The three sites of contrasting soil types covered a geographical area in the UK and Ireland in October 2018. Root samples were analysed using two methods: X-ray computed tomography (CT) which provides 3D images of the undisturbed roots in the soil, and a WinRHIZO™ scanner used to generate 2D images of washed roots and to measure further root parameters. Important negative relationships existed between soil bulk density and root properties (root length density, root volume, surface area and length) across the three sites. The results revealed that despite reduced root growth, the clay (Southoe) site had a significantly higher crop yield irrespective of root depth. The loamy sand (Harper Adams) site had significantly higher root volume, surface area and root length density compared with the other sites. However, a reduction in grain yield of 2.42 Mt ha-1 was incurred compared with the clay site and 1.6 Mt ha-1 compared with the clay loam site. The significantly higher rooting characteristics found in the loamy sand site were a result of the significantly lower soil bulk density compared with the other two sites. The loamy sand site had a lower soil bulk density, but no significant difference in macroporosity between sites (p > 0.05). This suggests that soil type and structure directly influence crop yield to greater extent than root parameters, but the interactions between both need simultaneous assessment in field sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Hobson
- School of Agriculture and Food ScienceUniversity College DublinBelfield, Dublin 4Ireland
| | - Mary A. Harty
- School of Agriculture and Food ScienceUniversity College DublinBelfield, Dublin 4Ireland
| | - David Langton
- Origin Enterprises LtdDublin 24Ireland
- Biosystems Engineering Ltd, NovaUCD BelfieldDublin 4Ireland
| | - Kevin McDonnell
- School of Agriculture and Food ScienceUniversity College DublinBelfield, Dublin 4Ireland
- Origin Enterprises LtdDublin 24Ireland
- Biosystems Engineering Ltd, NovaUCD BelfieldDublin 4Ireland
| | - Saoirse R. Tracy
- School of Agriculture and Food ScienceUniversity College DublinBelfield, Dublin 4Ireland
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Halli HM, Govindasamy P, Choudhary M, Srinivasan R, Prasad M, Wasnik VK, Yadav VK, Singh AK, Kumar S, Vijay D, Pathak H. Range grasses to improve soil properties, carbon sustainability, and fodder security in degraded lands of semi-arid regions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158211. [PMID: 36029814 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tropical grasses are the primary source of forage for livestock and a valuable resource for improving soil health and environmental sustainability in semi-arid regions. A study was carried out in a semi-arid region of central India to determine the short-term (6-year) impact of nine range grasses on soil physio-chemical and biological properties, carbon stock, and forage security. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications. Results show that the majority of the grass roots were distributed in the upper soil layer (0-10 cm, 63.5-76.5 %), and then in the middle (10-20 cm, 21.3-25 %) and lower (20-30 cm, 2.2-11.5 %) layers. Perennial tussock grass (Heteropogon contortus (L.) P. Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult) had a higher root volume (2219 mm3), followed by Guinea grass [Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs] (1860 mm3). A lower soil bulk density (BD, 1.11-1.23 g cm-3), higher gravimetric water content (GMW, 14.0-17.8 %), and soil organic carbon (0.38-0.73 %) were recorded for grass-cultivated plots compared to the barren land (1.38 g cm-3, 13.0 %, and 0.28 %, respectively). The perennial tussock grass and Guinea grass resulted in the highest soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC, 70.1 mg kg-1 soil) and enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, 17.09 μg TPF g-1 day-1 and fluorescein diacetate activity 4.94 μg fluorescein g-1 h-1). The considerable improvement in soil properties with minimal inputs resulted in a higher sustainable yield index and carbon sustainability index in plots planted with Guinea grass (0.9 and 89.29) and perennial tussock grass (0.89 and 71.61). Therefore, the cultivation of either Guinea grass or perennial tussock grass as an intercrop or sole crop in the semi-arid environment can be an ecologically sound strategy to improve soil health, C sequestration, and fodder supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanamant M Halli
- Division of Seed Technology, ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, India; School of Soil Stress Management, ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Pune 413 115, India
| | - Prabhu Govindasamy
- Division of Crop Production, ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, India; Division of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India.
| | - Mukesh Choudhary
- Division of Crop Production, ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, India
| | - R Srinivasan
- Division of Crop Production, ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, India
| | - Mahendra Prasad
- Division of Crop Production, ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, India
| | - V K Wasnik
- Division of Seed Technology, ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, India
| | - V K Yadav
- Division of Seed Technology, ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, India
| | - A K Singh
- Division of Seed Technology, ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Division of Crop Production, ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi 284 003, India
| | - D Vijay
- Division of Seed Technology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012, India
| | - Himanshu Pathak
- School of Soil Stress Management, ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Pune 413 115, India
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Li H, Li L, Liu N, Liu Z, Lu Y, Shao L. Balanced below- and above-ground growth improved yield and water productivity by cultivar renewal for winter wheat. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1022023. [PMID: 36388545 PMCID: PMC9659963 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1022023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Breeding cultivars that can maintain high production and water productivity (WP) under various growing conditions would be important for mitigating freshwater shortage problems. Experiments were carried out to assess the changes in yield and WP of different cultivars by breeding and traits related to the changes using tubes with 1.05 m depth and 19.2 cm inner diameter buried in the field located in the North China Plain. Six winter wheat cultivars released from the 1970s to 2010s were assessed under three water levels for three seasons. The results indicated that yield was on average improved by 19.9% and WP by 21.5% under the three water levels for the three seasons for the cultivar released in the 2010s as compared with that released in the 1970s. The performance of the six cultivars was relatively stable across the experimental duration. The improvement in yield was mainly attributed to the maintenance of higher photosynthetic capacity during the reproductive growth stage and greater above-ground biomass accumulation. These improvements were larger under wet conditions than that under dry conditions, indicating that the yield potential was increased by cultivar renewal. Traits related to yield and WP improvements included the increased harvest index and reduced root: shoot ratio. New cultivars reduced the redundancy in root proliferation in the topsoil layer, which did not compromise the efficient utilization of soil moisture but reduced the metabolic input in root growth. Balanced above- and below-ground growth resulted in a significant improvement in root efficiency at grain yield level up to 40% from the cultivars released in the 1970s to those recently released. The results from this study indicated that the improved efficiency in both the above- and below-parts played important roles in enhancing crop production and resource use efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haotian Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, The Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, The Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Na Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, The Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zimeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, The Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, The Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Liwei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, The Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
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Agroecological Management and Increased Grain Legume Area Needed to Meet Nitrogen Reduction Targets for Greenhouse Gas Emissions. NITROGEN 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/nitrogen3030035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The nitrogen applied (N-input) to cropping systems supports a high yield but generates major environmental pollution in the form of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and losses to land and water (N-surplus). This paper examines the scope to meet both GHG emission targets and zero N-surplus in high-intensity, mainly cereal, cropping in a region of the Atlantic zone in Europe. A regional survey provides background to crops grown at an experimental farm platform over a run of 5 years. For three main cereal crops under standard management (mean N-input 154 kg ha−1), N-surplus remained well above zero (single year maximum 55% of N-input, five-year mean 27%), but was reduced to near zero by crop diversification (three cereals, one oilseed and one grain legume) and converted to a net nitrogen gain (+39 kg ha−1, 25 crop-years) by implementing low nitrification management in all fields. Up-scaling N-input to the agricultural region indicated the government GHG emissions target of 70% of the 1990 mean could only be met with a combination of low nitrification management and raising the proportion of grain legumes from the current 1–2% to at least 10% at the expense of high-input cereals. Major strategic change in the agri-food system of the region is therefore needed to meet GHG emissions targets.
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Barłóg P, Grzebisz W, Łukowiak R. Fertilizers and Fertilization Strategies Mitigating Soil Factors Constraining Efficiency of Nitrogen in Plant Production. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1855. [PMID: 35890489 PMCID: PMC9319167 DOI: 10.3390/plants11141855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fertilizer Use Efficiency (FUE) is a measure of the potential of an applied fertilizer to increase its impact on the uptake and utilization of nitrogen (N) present in the soil/plant system. The productivity of N depends on the supply of those nutrients in a well-defined stage of yield formation that are decisive for its uptake and utilization. Traditionally, plant nutritional status is evaluated by using chemical methods. However, nowadays, to correct fertilizer doses, the absorption and reflection of solar radiation is used. Fertilization efficiency can be increased not only by adjusting the fertilizer dose to the plant's requirements, but also by removing all of the soil factors that constrain nutrient uptake and their transport from soil to root surface. Among them, soil compaction and pH are relatively easy to correct. The goal of new the formulas of N fertilizers is to increase the availability of N by synchronization of its release with the plant demand. The aim of non-nitrogenous fertilizers is to increase the availability of nutrients that control the effectiveness of N present in the soil/plant system. A wide range of actions is required to reduce the amount of N which can pollute ecosystems adjacent to fields.
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Seidel SJ, Gaiser T, Srivastava AK, Leitner D, Schmittmann O, Athmann M, Kautz T, Guigue J, Ewert F, Schnepf A. Simulating Root Growth as a Function of Soil Strength and Yield With a Field-Scale Crop Model Coupled With a 3D Architectural Root Model. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:865188. [PMID: 35668793 PMCID: PMC9164166 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.865188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Accurate prediction of root growth and related resource uptake is crucial to accurately simulate crop growth especially under unfavorable environmental conditions. We coupled a 1D field-scale crop-soil model running in the SIMPLACE modeling framework with the 3D architectural root model CRootbox on a daily time step and implemented a stress function to simulate root elongation as a function of soil bulk density and matric potential. The model was tested with field data collected during two growing seasons of spring barley and winter wheat on Haplic Luvisol. In that experiment, mechanical strip-wise subsoil loosening (30-60 cm) (DL treatment) was tested, and effects on root and shoot growth at the melioration strip as well as in a control treatment were evaluated. At most soil depths, strip-wise deep loosening significantly enhanced observed root length densities (RLDs) of both crops as compared to the control. However, the enhanced root growth had a beneficial effect on crop productivity only in the very dry season in 2018 for spring barley where the observed grain yield at the strip was 18% higher as compared to the control. To understand the underlying processes that led to these yield effects, we simulated spring barley and winter wheat root and shoot growth using the described field data and the model. For comparison, we simulated the scenarios with the simpler 1D conceptual root model. The coupled model showed the ability to simulate the main effects of strip-wise subsoil loosening on root and shoot growth. It was able to simulate the adaptive plasticity of roots to local soil conditions (more and thinner roots in case of dry and loose soil). Additional scenario runs with varying weather conditions were simulated to evaluate the impact of deep loosening on yield under different conditions. The scenarios revealed that higher spring barley yields in DL than in the control occurred in about 50% of the growing seasons. This effect was more pronounced for spring barley than for winter wheat. Different virtual root phenotypes were tested to assess the potential of the coupled model to simulate the effect of varying root traits under different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Julia Seidel
- Crop Science, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Gaiser
- Crop Science, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Amit Kumar Srivastava
- Crop Science, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Oliver Schmittmann
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Miriam Athmann
- Organic Farming and Cropping Systems, University of Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany
| | - Timo Kautz
- Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institut für Agrar- und Gartenbauwissenschaften, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julien Guigue
- Chair of Soil Science, TUM School of Life Sciences, Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Frank Ewert
- Crop Science, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Schnepf
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-3, Agrosphere, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
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Leybourne DJ, Valentine TA, Binnie K, Taylor A, Karley AJ, Bos JIB. Drought stress increases the expression of barley defence genes with negative consequences for infesting cereal aphids. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:2238-2250. [PMID: 35090009 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Crops are exposed to myriad abiotic and biotic stressors with negative consequences. Two stressors that are expected to increase under climate change are drought and infestation with herbivorous insects, including important aphid species. Expanding our understanding of the impact drought has on the plant-aphid relationship will become increasingly important under future climate scenarios. Here we use a previously characterized plant-aphid system comprising a susceptible variety of barley, a wild relative of barley with partial aphid resistance, and the bird cherry-oat aphid to examine the drought-plant-aphid relationship. We show that drought has a negative effect on plant physiology and aphid fitness, and provide evidence to suggest that plant resistance influences aphid responses to drought stress. Furthermore, we show that the expression of thionin genes, plant defensive compounds that contribute to aphid resistance, increase in susceptible plants exposed to drought stress but remain at constant levels in the partially resistant plant, suggesting that they play an important role in determining the success of aphid populations. This study highlights the role of plant defensive processes in mediating the interactions between the environment, plants, and herbivorous insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Leybourne
- Division of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
- Ecological Sciences, the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Tracy A Valentine
- Ecological Sciences, the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Kirsty Binnie
- Ecological Sciences, the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Anna Taylor
- Ecological Sciences, the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Alison J Karley
- Ecological Sciences, the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Jorunn I B Bos
- Division of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
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12
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Lynch JP, Mooney SJ, Strock CF, Schneider HM. Future roots for future soils. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:620-636. [PMID: 34725839 PMCID: PMC9299599 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical impedance constrains root growth in most soils. Crop cultivation changed the impedance characteristics of native soils, through topsoil erosion, loss of organic matter, disruption of soil structure and loss of biopores. Increasing adoption of Conservation Agriculture in high-input agroecosystems is returning cultivated soils to the soil impedance characteristics of native soils, but in the low-input agroecosystems characteristic of developing nations, ongoing soil degradation is generating more challenging environments for root growth. We propose that root phenotypes have evolved to adapt to the altered impedance characteristics of cultivated soil during crop domestication. The diverging trajectories of soils under Conservation Agriculture and low-input agroecosystems have implications for strategies to develop crops to meet global needs under climate change. We present several root ideotypes as breeding targets under the impedance regimes of both high-input and low-input agroecosystems, as well as a set of root phenotypes that should be useful in both scenarios. We argue that a 'whole plant in whole soil' perspective will be useful in guiding the development of future crops for future soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P. Lynch
- Department of Plant ScienceThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Sacha J. Mooney
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamLeicestershireUK
| | - Christopher F. Strock
- Department of Plant ScienceThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hannah M. Schneider
- Centre for Crop Systems AnalysisWageningen University & ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
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13
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Vanhees DJ, Schneider HM, Sidhu JS, Loades KW, Bengough AG, Bennett MJ, Pandey BK, Brown KM, Mooney SJ, Lynch JP. Soil penetration by maize roots is negatively related to ethylene-induced thickening. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:789-804. [PMID: 34453329 PMCID: PMC9291135 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Radial expansion is a classic response of roots to a mechanical impedance that has generally been assumed to aid penetration. We analysed the response of maize nodal roots to impedance to test the hypothesis that radial expansion is not related to the ability of roots to cross a compacted soil layer. Genotypes varied in their ability to cross the compacted layer, and those with a steeper approach to the compacted layer or less radial expansion in the compacted layer were more likely to cross the layer and achieve greater depth. Root radial expansion was due to cortical cell size expansion, while cortical cell file number remained constant. Genotypes and nodal root classes that exhibited radial expansion in the compacted soil layer generally also thickened in response to exogenous ethylene in hydroponic culture, that is, radial expansion in response to ethylene was correlated with the thickening response to impedance in soil. We propose that ethylene insensitive roots, that is, those that do not thicken and can overcome impedance, have a competitive advantage under mechanically impeded conditions as they can maintain their elongation rates. We suggest that prolonged exposure to ethylene could function as a stop signal for axial root growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien J. Vanhees
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington CampusLeicestershireUK
- The James Hutton InstituteInvergowrieUK
| | - Hannah M. Schneider
- Department of Plant ScienceThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
- Centre for Crop Systems AnalysisWageningen University & ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jagdeep Singh Sidhu
- Department of Plant ScienceThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - A. Glyn Bengough
- The James Hutton InstituteInvergowrieUK
- School of Science and EngineeringThe University of DundeeDundeeUK
| | - Malcolm J. Bennett
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington CampusLeicestershireUK
| | - Bipin K. Pandey
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington CampusLeicestershireUK
| | - Kathleen M. Brown
- Department of Plant ScienceThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Sacha J. Mooney
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington CampusLeicestershireUK
| | - Jonathan P. Lynch
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington CampusLeicestershireUK
- Department of Plant ScienceThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
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14
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Strock CF, Rangarajan H, Black CK, Schäfer ED, Lynch JP. Theoretical evidence that root penetration ability interacts with soil compaction regimes to affect nitrate capture. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2022; 129:315-330. [PMID: 34850823 PMCID: PMC8835659 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcab144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although root penetration of strong soils has been intensively studied at the scale of individual root axes, interactions between soil physical properties and soil foraging by whole plants are less clear. Here we investigate how variation in the penetration ability of distinct root classes and bulk density profiles common to real-world soils interact to affect soil foraging strategies. METHODS We utilize the functional-structural plant model 'OpenSimRoot' to simulate the growth of maize (Zea mays) root systems with variable penetration ability of axial and lateral roots in soils with (1) uniform bulk density, (2) plow pans and (3) increasing bulk density with depth. We also modify the availability and leaching of nitrate to uncover reciprocal interactions between these factors and the capture of mobile resources. KEY RESULTS Soils with plow pans and bulk density gradients affected overall size, distribution and carbon costs of the root system. Soils with high bulk density at depth impeded rooting depth and reduced leaching of nitrate, thereby improving the coincidence of nitrogen and root length. While increasing penetration ability of either axial or lateral root classes produced root systems of comparable net length, improved penetration of axial roots increased allocation of root length in deeper soil, thereby amplifying N acquisition and shoot biomass. Although enhanced penetration ability of both root classes was associated with greater root system carbon costs, the benefit to plant fitness from improved soil exploration and resource capture offset these. CONCLUSIONS While lateral roots comprise the bulk of root length, axial roots function as a scaffold determining the distribution of these laterals. In soils with high soil strength and leaching, root systems with enhanced penetration ability of axial roots have greater distribution of root length at depth, thereby improving capture of mobile resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Strock
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Harini Rangarajan
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Christopher K Black
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ernst D Schäfer
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jonathan P Lynch
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- For correspondence. E-mail
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15
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Freschet GT, Pagès L, Iversen CM, Comas LH, Rewald B, Roumet C, Klimešová J, Zadworny M, Poorter H, Postma JA, Adams TS, Bagniewska‐Zadworna A, Bengough AG, Blancaflor EB, Brunner I, Cornelissen JHC, Garnier E, Gessler A, Hobbie SE, Meier IC, Mommer L, Picon‐Cochard C, Rose L, Ryser P, Scherer‐Lorenzen M, Soudzilovskaia NA, Stokes A, Sun T, Valverde‐Barrantes OJ, Weemstra M, Weigelt A, Wurzburger N, York LM, Batterman SA, Gomes de Moraes M, Janeček Š, Lambers H, Salmon V, Tharayil N, McCormack ML. A starting guide to root ecology: strengthening ecological concepts and standardising root classification, sampling, processing and trait measurements. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 232:973-1122. [PMID: 34608637 PMCID: PMC8518129 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In the context of a recent massive increase in research on plant root functions and their impact on the environment, root ecologists currently face many important challenges to keep on generating cutting-edge, meaningful and integrated knowledge. Consideration of the below-ground components in plant and ecosystem studies has been consistently called for in recent decades, but methodology is disparate and sometimes inappropriate. This handbook, based on the collective effort of a large team of experts, will improve trait comparisons across studies and integration of information across databases by providing standardised methods and controlled vocabularies. It is meant to be used not only as starting point by students and scientists who desire working on below-ground ecosystems, but also by experts for consolidating and broadening their views on multiple aspects of root ecology. Beyond the classical compilation of measurement protocols, we have synthesised recommendations from the literature to provide key background knowledge useful for: (1) defining below-ground plant entities and giving keys for their meaningful dissection, classification and naming beyond the classical fine-root vs coarse-root approach; (2) considering the specificity of root research to produce sound laboratory and field data; (3) describing typical, but overlooked steps for studying roots (e.g. root handling, cleaning and storage); and (4) gathering metadata necessary for the interpretation of results and their reuse. Most importantly, all root traits have been introduced with some degree of ecological context that will be a foundation for understanding their ecological meaning, their typical use and uncertainties, and some methodological and conceptual perspectives for future research. Considering all of this, we urge readers not to solely extract protocol recommendations for trait measurements from this work, but to take a moment to read and reflect on the extensive information contained in this broader guide to root ecology, including sections I-VII and the many introductions to each section and root trait description. Finally, it is critical to understand that a major aim of this guide is to help break down barriers between the many subdisciplines of root ecology and ecophysiology, broaden researchers' views on the multiple aspects of root study and create favourable conditions for the inception of comprehensive experiments on the role of roots in plant and ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire T. Freschet
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD1919 route de MendeMontpellier34293France
- Station d’Ecologie Théorique et ExpérimentaleCNRS2 route du CNRS09200MoulisFrance
| | - Loïc Pagès
- UR 1115 PSHCentre PACA, site AgroparcINRAE84914Avignon cedex 9France
| | - Colleen M. Iversen
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science InstituteOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37831USA
| | - Louise H. Comas
- USDA‐ARS Water Management Research Unit2150 Centre Avenue, Bldg D, Suite 320Fort CollinsCO80526USA
| | - Boris Rewald
- Department of Forest and Soil SciencesUniversity of Natural Resources and Life SciencesVienna1190Austria
| | - Catherine Roumet
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD1919 route de MendeMontpellier34293France
| | - Jitka Klimešová
- Department of Functional EcologyInstitute of Botany CASDukelska 13537901TrebonCzech Republic
| | - Marcin Zadworny
- Institute of DendrologyPolish Academy of SciencesParkowa 562‐035KórnikPoland
| | - Hendrik Poorter
- Plant Sciences (IBG‐2)Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbHD‐52425JülichGermany
- Department of Biological SciencesMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNSW2109Australia
| | | | - Thomas S. Adams
- Department of Plant SciencesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPA16802USA
| | - Agnieszka Bagniewska‐Zadworna
- Department of General BotanyInstitute of Experimental BiologyFaculty of BiologyAdam Mickiewicz UniversityUniwersytetu Poznańskiego 661-614PoznańPoland
| | - A. Glyn Bengough
- The James Hutton InstituteInvergowrie, Dundee,DD2 5DAUK
- School of Science and EngineeringUniversity of DundeeDundee,DD1 4HNUK
| | | | - Ivano Brunner
- Forest Soils and BiogeochemistrySwiss Federal Research Institute WSLZürcherstr. 1118903BirmensdorfSwitzerland
| | - Johannes H. C. Cornelissen
- Department of Ecological ScienceFaculty of ScienceVrije Universiteit AmsterdamDe Boelelaan 1085Amsterdam1081 HVthe Netherlands
| | - Eric Garnier
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD1919 route de MendeMontpellier34293France
| | - Arthur Gessler
- Forest DynamicsSwiss Federal Research Institute WSLZürcherstr. 1118903BirmensdorfSwitzerland
- Institute of Terrestrial EcosystemsETH Zurich8092ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Sarah E. Hobbie
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and BehaviorUniversity of MinnesotaSt PaulMN55108USA
| | - Ina C. Meier
- Functional Forest EcologyUniversity of HamburgHaidkrugsweg 122885BarsbütelGermany
| | - Liesje Mommer
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation GroupDepartment of Environmental SciencesWageningen University and ResearchPO Box 476700 AAWageningenthe Netherlands
| | | | - Laura Rose
- Station d’Ecologie Théorique et ExpérimentaleCNRS2 route du CNRS09200MoulisFrance
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F)Senckenberganlage 2560325Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Peter Ryser
- Laurentian University935 Ramsey Lake RoadSudburyONP3E 2C6Canada
| | | | - Nadejda A. Soudzilovskaia
- Environmental Biology DepartmentInstitute of Environmental SciencesCMLLeiden UniversityLeiden2300 RAthe Netherlands
| | - Alexia Stokes
- INRAEAMAPCIRAD, IRDCNRSUniversity of MontpellierMontpellier34000France
| | - Tao Sun
- Institute of Applied EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenyang110016China
| | - Oscar J. Valverde‐Barrantes
- International Center for Tropical BotanyDepartment of Biological SciencesFlorida International UniversityMiamiFL33199USA
| | - Monique Weemstra
- CEFEUniv Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD1919 route de MendeMontpellier34293France
| | - Alexandra Weigelt
- Systematic Botany and Functional BiodiversityInstitute of BiologyLeipzig UniversityJohannisallee 21-23Leipzig04103Germany
| | - Nina Wurzburger
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of Georgia140 E. Green StreetAthensGA30602USA
| | - Larry M. York
- Biosciences Division and Center for Bioenergy InnovationOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37831USA
| | - Sarah A. Batterman
- School of Geography and Priestley International Centre for ClimateUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem StudiesMillbrookNY12545USA
| | - Moemy Gomes de Moraes
- Department of BotanyInstitute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Goiás1974690-900Goiânia, GoiásBrazil
| | - Štěpán Janeček
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western Australia35 Stirling HighwayCrawley (Perth)WA 6009Australia
| | - Hans Lambers
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawley (Perth)WAAustralia
| | - Verity Salmon
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science InstituteOak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeTN37831USA
| | - Nishanth Tharayil
- Department of Plant and Environmental SciencesClemson UniversityClemsonSC29634USA
| | - M. Luke McCormack
- Center for Tree ScienceMorton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rt. 53LisleIL60532USA
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16
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Freschet GT, Pagès L, Iversen CM, Comas LH, Rewald B, Roumet C, Klimešová J, Zadworny M, Poorter H, Postma JA, Adams TS, Bagniewska-Zadworna A, Bengough AG, Blancaflor EB, Brunner I, Cornelissen JHC, Garnier E, Gessler A, Hobbie SE, Meier IC, Mommer L, Picon-Cochard C, Rose L, Ryser P, Scherer-Lorenzen M, Soudzilovskaia NA, Stokes A, Sun T, Valverde-Barrantes OJ, Weemstra M, Weigelt A, Wurzburger N, York LM, Batterman SA, Gomes de Moraes M, Janeček Š, Lambers H, Salmon V, Tharayil N, McCormack ML. A starting guide to root ecology: strengthening ecological concepts and standardising root classification, sampling, processing and trait measurements. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021. [PMID: 34608637 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17572.hal-03379708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In the context of a recent massive increase in research on plant root functions and their impact on the environment, root ecologists currently face many important challenges to keep on generating cutting-edge, meaningful and integrated knowledge. Consideration of the below-ground components in plant and ecosystem studies has been consistently called for in recent decades, but methodology is disparate and sometimes inappropriate. This handbook, based on the collective effort of a large team of experts, will improve trait comparisons across studies and integration of information across databases by providing standardised methods and controlled vocabularies. It is meant to be used not only as starting point by students and scientists who desire working on below-ground ecosystems, but also by experts for consolidating and broadening their views on multiple aspects of root ecology. Beyond the classical compilation of measurement protocols, we have synthesised recommendations from the literature to provide key background knowledge useful for: (1) defining below-ground plant entities and giving keys for their meaningful dissection, classification and naming beyond the classical fine-root vs coarse-root approach; (2) considering the specificity of root research to produce sound laboratory and field data; (3) describing typical, but overlooked steps for studying roots (e.g. root handling, cleaning and storage); and (4) gathering metadata necessary for the interpretation of results and their reuse. Most importantly, all root traits have been introduced with some degree of ecological context that will be a foundation for understanding their ecological meaning, their typical use and uncertainties, and some methodological and conceptual perspectives for future research. Considering all of this, we urge readers not to solely extract protocol recommendations for trait measurements from this work, but to take a moment to read and reflect on the extensive information contained in this broader guide to root ecology, including sections I-VII and the many introductions to each section and root trait description. Finally, it is critical to understand that a major aim of this guide is to help break down barriers between the many subdisciplines of root ecology and ecophysiology, broaden researchers' views on the multiple aspects of root study and create favourable conditions for the inception of comprehensive experiments on the role of roots in plant and ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire T Freschet
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 route de Mende, Montpellier, 34293, France
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS, 2 route du CNRS, 09200, Moulis, France
| | - Loïc Pagès
- UR 1115 PSH, Centre PACA, site Agroparc, INRAE, 84914, Avignon cedex 9, France
| | - Colleen M Iversen
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Louise H Comas
- USDA-ARS Water Management Research Unit, 2150 Centre Avenue, Bldg D, Suite 320, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA
| | - Boris Rewald
- Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, 1190, Austria
| | - Catherine Roumet
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 route de Mende, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Jitka Klimešová
- Department of Functional Ecology, Institute of Botany CAS, Dukelska 135, 37901, Trebon, Czech Republic
| | - Marcin Zadworny
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Parkowa 5, 62-035, Kórnik, Poland
| | - Hendrik Poorter
- Plant Sciences (IBG-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Johannes A Postma
- Plant Sciences (IBG-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Thomas S Adams
- Department of Plant Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Agnieszka Bagniewska-Zadworna
- Department of General Botany, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - A Glyn Bengough
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee,, DD2 5DA, UK
- School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee,, DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Elison B Blancaflor
- Noble Research Institute, LLC, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK, 73401, USA
| | - Ivano Brunner
- Forest Soils and Biogeochemistry, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstr. 111, 8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Johannes H C Cornelissen
- Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Garnier
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 route de Mende, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Arthur Gessler
- Forest Dynamics, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Zürcherstr. 111, 8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah E Hobbie
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Ina C Meier
- Functional Forest Ecology, University of Hamburg, Haidkrugsweg 1, 22885, Barsbütel, Germany
| | - Liesje Mommer
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Laura Rose
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, CNRS, 2 route du CNRS, 09200, Moulis, France
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Peter Ryser
- Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
| | | | - Nadejda A Soudzilovskaia
- Environmental Biology Department, Institute of Environmental Sciences, CML, Leiden University, Leiden, 2300 RA, the Netherlands
| | - Alexia Stokes
- INRAE, AMAP, CIRAD, IRD, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, 34000, France
| | - Tao Sun
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Oscar J Valverde-Barrantes
- International Center for Tropical Botany, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Monique Weemstra
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 route de Mende, Montpellier, 34293, France
| | - Alexandra Weigelt
- Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 21-23, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Nina Wurzburger
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E. Green Street, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Larry M York
- Biosciences Division and Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Sarah A Batterman
- School of Geography and Priestley International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY, 12545, USA
| | - Moemy Gomes de Moraes
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, 19, 74690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Štěpán Janeček
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley (Perth), WA 6009, Australia
| | - Hans Lambers
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley (Perth), WA, Australia
| | - Verity Salmon
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Nishanth Tharayil
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - M Luke McCormack
- Center for Tree Science, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rt. 53, Lisle, IL, 60532, USA
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17
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Reynolds M, Atkin OK, Bennett M, Cooper M, Dodd IC, Foulkes MJ, Frohberg C, Hammer G, Henderson IR, Huang B, Korzun V, McCouch SR, Messina CD, Pogson BJ, Slafer GA, Taylor NL, Wittich PE. Addressing Research Bottlenecks to Crop Productivity. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 26:607-630. [PMID: 33893046 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Asymmetry of investment in crop research leads to knowledge gaps and lost opportunities to accelerate genetic gain through identifying new sources and combinations of traits and alleles. On the basis of consultation with scientists from most major seed companies, we identified several research areas with three common features: (i) relatively underrepresented in the literature; (ii) high probability of boosting productivity in a wide range of crops and environments; and (iii) could be researched in 'precompetitive' space, leveraging previous knowledge, and thereby improving models that guide crop breeding and management decisions. Areas identified included research into hormones, recombination, respiration, roots, and source-sink, which, along with new opportunities in phenomics, genomics, and bioinformatics, make it more feasible to explore crop genetic resources and improve breeding strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Reynolds
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Km. 45, Carretera Mexico, El Batan, Texcoco, Mexico.
| | - Owen K Atkin
- Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University Canberra, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Malcolm Bennett
- Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK.
| | - Mark Cooper
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ian C Dodd
- The Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - M John Foulkes
- Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Claus Frohberg
- BASF BBC-Innovation Center Gent, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 101, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Graeme Hammer
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Bingru Huang
- Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, Rutgers University, 59 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
| | | | - Susan R McCouch
- Plant Breeding & Genetics, School of Integrative Plant Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.
| | - Carlos D Messina
- Corteva Agriscience, 7250 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA 50310, USA.
| | - Barry J Pogson
- Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University Canberra, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Gustavo A Slafer
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida, AGROTECNIO, CERCA Center, Av. R. Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain; ICREA, Catalonian Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Nicolas L Taylor
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences and Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Peter E Wittich
- Syngenta Seeds B.V., Westeinde 62, 1601 BK, Enkhuizen, The Netherlands.
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18
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Zhou H, Whalley WR, Hawkesford MJ, Ashton RW, Atkinson B, Atkinson JA, Sturrock CJ, Bennett MJ, Mooney SJ. The interaction between wheat roots and soil pores in structured field soil. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:747-756. [PMID: 33064808 PMCID: PMC7853603 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) root growth in the subsoil is usually constrained by soil strength, although roots can use macropores to elongate to deeper layers. The quantitative relationship between the elongation of wheat roots and the soil pore system, however, is still to be determined. We studied the depth distribution of roots of six wheat varieties and explored their relationship with soil macroporosity from samples with the field structure preserved. Undisturbed soil cores (to a depth of 100 cm) were collected from the field and then non-destructively imaged using X-ray computed tomography (at a spatial resolution of 90 µm) to quantify soil macropore structure and root number density (the number of roots cm-2 within a horizontal cross-section of a soil core). Soil macroporosity changed significantly with depth but not between the different wheat lines. There was no significant difference in root number density between wheat varieties. In the subsoil, wheat roots used macropores, especially biopores (i.e. former root or earthworm channels) to grow into deeper layers. Soil macroporosity explained 59% of the variance in root number density. Our data suggested that the development of the wheat root system in the field was more affected by the soil macropore system than by genotype. On this basis, management practices which enhance the porosity of the subsoil may therefore be an effective strategy to improve deep rooting of wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Zhou
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, PR China
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | | | - Brian Atkinson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Jonathan A Atkinson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Craig J Sturrock
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Malcolm J Bennett
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Sacha J Mooney
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
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19
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Burridge JD, Black CK, Nord EA, Postma JA, Sidhu JS, York LM, Lynch JP. An Analysis of Soil Coring Strategies to Estimate Root Depth in Maize ( Zea mays) and Common Bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris). PLANT PHENOMICS (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2020; 2020:3252703. [PMID: 33313549 PMCID: PMC7706327 DOI: 10.34133/2020/3252703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A soil coring protocol was developed to cooptimize the estimation of root length distribution (RLD) by depth and detection of functionally important variation in root system architecture (RSA) of maize and bean. The functional-structural model OpenSimRoot was used to perform in silico soil coring at six locations on three different maize and bean RSA phenotypes. Results were compared to two seasons of field soil coring and one trench. Two one-sided T-test (TOST) analysis of in silico data suggests a between-row location 5 cm from plant base (location 3), best estimates whole-plot RLD/D of deep, intermediate, and shallow RSA phenotypes, for both maize and bean. Quadratic discriminant analysis indicates location 3 has ~70% categorization accuracy for bean, while an in-row location next to the plant base (location 6) has ~85% categorization accuracy in maize. Analysis of field data suggests the more representative sampling locations vary by year and species. In silico and field studies suggest location 3 is most robust, although variation is significant among seasons, among replications within a field season, and among field soil coring, trench, and simulations. We propose that the characterization of the RLD profile as a dynamic rhizo canopy effectively describes how the RLD profile arises from interactions among an individual plant, its neighbors, and the pedosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D. Burridge
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Plant Science, Tyson Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Christopher K. Black
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Plant Science, Tyson Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Eric A. Nord
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Plant Science, Tyson Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Department of Biology, Greenville University, 315 E. College Ave, Greenville, IL 62246, USA
| | - Johannes A. Postma
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Bio-and Geosciences-Plant Sciences (IBG-2), 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Jagdeep S. Sidhu
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Plant Science, Tyson Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Larry M. York
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Plant Science, Tyson Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Noble Research Institute, LLC, 2510 Sam Noble Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401, USA
| | - Jonathan P. Lynch
- The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Plant Science, Tyson Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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20
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Matthus E, Doddrell NH, Guillaume G, Mohammad-Sidik AB, Wilkins KA, Swarbreck SM, Davies JM. Phosphate Deprivation Can Impair Mechano-Stimulated Cytosolic Free Calcium Elevation in Arabidopsis Roots. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9091205. [PMID: 32942534 PMCID: PMC7570281 DOI: 10.3390/plants9091205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The root tip responds to mechanical stimulation with a transient increase in cytosolic free calcium as a possible second messenger. Although the root tip will grow through a heterogeneous soil nutrient supply, little is known of the consequence of nutrient deprivation for such signalling. Here, the effect of inorganic phosphate deprivation on the root’s mechano-stimulated cytosolic free calcium increase is investigated. Arabidopsisthaliana (cytosolically expressing aequorin as a bioluminescent free calcium reporter) is grown in zero or full phosphate conditions, then roots or root tips are mechanically stimulated. Plants also are grown vertically on a solid medium so their root skewing angle (deviation from vertical) can be determined as an output of mechanical stimulation. Phosphate starvation results in significantly impaired cytosolic free calcium elevation in both root tips and whole excised roots. Phosphate-starved roots sustain a significantly lower root skewing angle than phosphate-replete roots. These results suggest that phosphate starvation causes a dampening of the root mechano-signalling system that could have consequences for growth in hardened, compacted soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Matthus
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK; (E.M.); (N.H.D.); (G.G.); (A.B.M.-S.); (K.A.W.); (S.M.S.)
| | - Nicholas H. Doddrell
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK; (E.M.); (N.H.D.); (G.G.); (A.B.M.-S.); (K.A.W.); (S.M.S.)
- NIAB EMR, New Road, East Malling ME19 6BJ, UK
| | - Gaëtan Guillaume
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK; (E.M.); (N.H.D.); (G.G.); (A.B.M.-S.); (K.A.W.); (S.M.S.)
| | - Amirah B. Mohammad-Sidik
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK; (E.M.); (N.H.D.); (G.G.); (A.B.M.-S.); (K.A.W.); (S.M.S.)
| | - Katie A. Wilkins
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK; (E.M.); (N.H.D.); (G.G.); (A.B.M.-S.); (K.A.W.); (S.M.S.)
| | - Stéphanie M. Swarbreck
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK; (E.M.); (N.H.D.); (G.G.); (A.B.M.-S.); (K.A.W.); (S.M.S.)
- The John Bingham Laboratory, NIAB, 93 Lawrence Weaver Road, Cambridge CB3 0LE, UK
| | - Julia M. Davies
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK; (E.M.); (N.H.D.); (G.G.); (A.B.M.-S.); (K.A.W.); (S.M.S.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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Feng X, Xiong J, Hu Y, Pan L, Liao Z, Zhang X, Guo W, Wu F, Xu J, Hu E, Lan H, Lu Y. Lateral mechanical impedance rather than frontal promotes cortical expansion of roots. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2020; 15:1757918. [PMID: 32338134 PMCID: PMC8570719 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2020.1757918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
It has long been considered that mechanical impedance on root will restrict root elongation and consequently promote radial growth. When seedlings grew in sands, we did observe radial expansion of roots and it, however, arose before elongation restriction. Mechanical impedance of sands can be classified into frontal- and lateral-type based on the interaction site of root. Therefore, we suspected that radial expansion might be mainly stimulated by lateral- rather than frontal-impedance. To verify our speculation, roots were exposed to frontal- and lateral-impedance separately. Small plastic caps were used to provide pure frontal impedance on root tips and cylindrical plastic containers were used to provide pure lateral impedance. Root elongation was remarkably suppressed under the frontal impedance of plastic caps, and more than that in sand-condition. However, the radial expansion of the plastic-cap-fitted roots was far inferior to that of the sand-cultured roots. Microstructural analysis revealed that sand-condition thickened root largely dependents on cortical expansion, whereas plastic cap did it mainly by thickening stele. In cylindrical plastic containers, mechanical impedance came only from the lateral direction and promoted the expansion of cortex like sand-condition. Thus, we proposed that the expansion of cortex and the consequent radial growth of roots were mainly due to lateral impedance when seedlings grew in sands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanjun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Liteng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhengqiao Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengkai Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Erliang Hu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Hai Lan
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanli Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Maize in Southwest Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
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22
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Structural Changes of Compacted Soil Layers in Northeast China due to Freezing-Thawing Processes. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12041587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Soil compaction has become a global concern that reduces soil quality and may jeopardize agricultural sustainability. The objective of this study is to evaluate if the freezing–thawing process can alleviate the negative effects of soil compaction during overwinter time in Northeast China. The field experiment was a split plot design including two surface treatments (bare and mulch) and three compaction levels (low, moderate, and high compactions with initial bulk densities of 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 g cm−3). Results showed that compared with initial values in the fall, freezing–thawing events increased soil porosity (by 4.28% to 25.68%) and the ratio of large-size pores (by 44.5% to 387.6%) after thawing in the spring. The greatest changes were observed in the high compaction treatment, and mulch-enhanced soil structural transformation. Additionally, the ratio of large-size aggregates (>1 mm) was increased and the fraction of small-size aggregates (<1 mm) was decreased. These changes in soil structural characteristics were attributed mainly to the modification of ice-filled pores space during the overwinter period. We concluded that the freezing–thawing process was an effective natural force for ameliorating soil compaction in Northeast China.
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23
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Roots compact the surrounding soil depending on the structures they encounter. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16236. [PMID: 31700059 PMCID: PMC6838105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52665-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Contradictory evidence exists regarding whether and to which extend roots change soil structure in their vicinity. Here we attempt to reconcile disparate views allowing for the two-way interaction between soil structure and root traits, i.e. changes in soil structure due to plants and changes in root growth due to soil structure. Porosity gradients extending from the root/biopore surface into the bulk soil were investigated with X-ray µCT for undisturbed soil samples from a field chronosequence as well as for a laboratory experiment with Zea mays growing into three different bulk densities. An image analysis protocol was developed, which enabled a fast analysis of the large sample pool (n > 300) at a resolution of 19 µm. Lab experiment showed that growing roots only compact the surrounding soil if macroporosity is low and dominated by isolated pores. When roots can grow into a highly connected macropore system showing high connectivity the rhizosphere is more porous compared to the bulk soil. A compaction around roots/biopores in the field chronosequence was only observed in combination with high root/biopore length densities. We conclude that roots compact the rhizosphere only if the initial soil structure does not offer a sufficient volume of well-connected macropores.
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24
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Colombi T, Herrmann AM, Vallenback P, Keller T. Cortical Cell Diameter Is Key To Energy Costs of Root Growth in Wheat. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 180:2049-2060. [PMID: 31123094 PMCID: PMC6670075 DOI: 10.1104/pp.19.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Root growth requires substantial amounts of energy and thus carbohydrates. The energy costs of root growth are particularly high in both dry and compacted soil, due to high soil penetration resistance. Consequently, more carbon must be allocated from aboveground plant tissue to roots, which limits crop productivity. In this study, we tested the utility of root cortical cell diameter as a potential selection target to reduce the energy costs of root growth. Isothermal calorimetry was adopted for in situ quantification of the energy costs of root growth of 16 wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes under three levels of penetration resistance. We show that cortical cell diameter is a pivotal and heritable trait, which is strongly related to the energy costs of root growth. Genotypic diversity was found for cortical cell diameter and the energy costs of root growth. A large root cortical cell diameter correlated with reduced energy costs of root growth, particularly under high soil penetration resistance. Moreover, significant correlations were found between the ability to radially enlarge cortical cells upon greater penetration resistance (i.e. phenotypic plasticity) and the responsiveness in the energy costs of root growth. A higher degree of phenotypic plasticity in cortical cell diameter was associated with reduced energy costs of root growth as soil penetration resistance increased. We therefore suggest that genotypic diversity and phenotypic plasticity in cortical cell diameter should be harnessed to adapt crops to dry and compacted soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tino Colombi
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anke Marianne Herrmann
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Thomas Keller
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Agroecology and Environment, Agroscope, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland
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25
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Fakih M, Delenne JY, Radjai F, Fourcaud T. Root growth and force chains in a granular soil. Phys Rev E 2019; 99:042903. [PMID: 31108586 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.99.042903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Roots provide basic functions to plants such as water and nutrient uptake and anchoring in soil. The growth and development of root systems contribute to colonizing the surrounding soil and optimizing the access to resources. It is generally known that the variability of plant root architecture results from the combination of genetic, physiological, and environmental factors, in particular soil mechanical resistance. However, this last factor has never been investigated at the soil grain scale for roots. In this paper, we are interested in the effect of the disordered texture of granular soils on the evolution of forces experienced by the root cap during its growth. We introduce a numerical model in which the root is modeled as a flexible self-elongating tube that probes a soil composed of solid particles. By means of extensive simulations, we show that the forces exerted on the root cap reflect interparticle force chains. Our simulations also show that the mean force declines exponentially with root flexibility, the highest force corresponding to the soil hardness. Furthermore, we find that this functional dependence is characterized by a single dimensionless parameter that combines granular structure and root bending stiffness. This finding will be useful to further address the biological issues of mechanosensing and thigmomorphogenesis in plant roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Fakih
- LMGC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 163 rue Auguste Broussonnet, 34095 Montpellier, France
- AMAP, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, IRD, University of Montpellier, TA A51/PS2, 34398 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Yves Delenne
- IATE, INRA, CIRAD, SupAgro, University of Montpellier, 2 place Pierre Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France
| | - Farhang Radjai
- LMGC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 163 rue Auguste Broussonnet, 34095 Montpellier, France
- ⟨MSE⟩2, UMI 3466 CNRS-MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge 02139, USA
| | - Thierry Fourcaud
- AMAP, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, IRD, University of Montpellier, TA A51/PS2, 34398 Montpellier, France
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26
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Koebernick N, Daly KR, Keyes SD, Bengough AG, Brown LK, Cooper LJ, George TS, Hallett PD, Naveed M, Raffan A, Roose T. Imaging microstructure of the barley rhizosphere: particle packing and root hair influences. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 221:1878-1889. [PMID: 30289555 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Soil adjacent to roots has distinct structural and physical properties from bulk soil, affecting water and solute acquisition by plants. Detailed knowledge on how root activity and traits such as root hairs affect the three-dimensional pore structure at a fine scale is scarce and often contradictory. Roots of hairless barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Optic) mutant (NRH) and its wildtype (WT) parent were grown in tubes of sieved (<250 μm) sandy loam soil under two different water regimes. The tubes were scanned by synchrotron-based X-ray computed tomography to visualise pore structure at the soil-root interface. Pore volume fraction and pore size distribution were analysed vs distance within 1 mm of the root surface. Less dense packing of particles at the root surface was hypothesised to cause the observed increased pore volume fraction immediately next to the epidermis. The pore size distribution was narrower due to a decreased fraction of larger pores. There were no statistically significant differences in pore structure between genotypes or moisture conditions. A model is proposed that describes the variation in porosity near roots taking into account soil compaction and the surface effect at the root surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai Koebernick
- Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Engineering Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
- Soil Science and Soil Protection, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, von-Seckendoff-Platz 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Keith R Daly
- Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Engineering Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Samuel D Keyes
- Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Engineering Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Anthony G Bengough
- Ecological Sciences Group, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK
- School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Lawrie K Brown
- Ecological Sciences Group, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Laura J Cooper
- Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Engineering Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Warwick, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Timothy S George
- Ecological Sciences Group, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK
| | - Paul D Hallett
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Muhammad Naveed
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, UK
- School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, London, W5 5RF, UK
| | - Annette Raffan
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Tiina Roose
- Bioengineering Sciences Research Group, Engineering Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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27
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Asemoloye MD, Jonathan SG, Ahmad R. Synergistic plant-microbes interactions in the rhizosphere: a potential headway for the remediation of hydrocarbon polluted soils. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2019; 21:71-83. [PMID: 30656951 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2018.1474437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Soil pollution is an unavoidable evil; many crude-oil exploring communities have been identified to be the most ecologically impacted regions around the world due to hydrocarbon pollution and their concurrent health risks. Several clean-up technologies have been reported on the removal of hydrocarbons in polluted soils but most of them are either very expensive, require the integration of advanced mechanization and/or cannot be implemented in small scale. However, "Bioremediation" has been reported as an efficient, cost-effective and environment-friendly technology for clean-up of hydrocarbon"s contaminated soils. Here, we suggest the implementation of synergistic mechanism of bioremediation such as the use of rhizosphere mechanism which involves the actions of plant and microorganisms, which involves the exploitation of plant and microorganisms for effective and speedy remediation of hydrocarbon"s contaminated soils. In this mechanism, plant"s action is synergized with the soil microorganisms through the root rhizosphere to promote soil remediation. The microorganisms benefit from the root metabolites (exudates) and the plant in turn benefits from the microbial recycling/solubilizing of mineral nutrients. Harnessing the abilities of plants and microorganisms is a potential headway for cost-effective clean-up of hydrocarbon"s polluted sites; such technology could be very important in countries with great oil producing activities/records over many years but still developing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Dare Asemoloye
- a Department of Botany, Mycology and Fungal Biotechnology Unit , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Segun Gbolagade Jonathan
- a Department of Botany, Mycology and Fungal Biotechnology Unit , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Rafiq Ahmad
- b Department of Environmental Sciences , COMSATS Institute of Information Technology , Abbottabad , Pakistan
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Fang H, Zhou H, Norton GJ, Price AH, Raffan AC, Mooney SJ, Peng X, Hallett PD. Interaction between contrasting rice genotypes and soil physical conditions induced by hydraulic stresses typical of alternate wetting and drying irrigation of soil. PLANT AND SOIL 2018; 430:233-243. [PMID: 30147153 PMCID: PMC6096897 DOI: 10.1007/s11104-018-3715-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) saves water in paddy rice production but could influence soil physical conditions and root growth. This study investigated the interaction between contrasting rice genotypes, soil structure and mechanical impedance influenced by hydraulic stresses typical of AWD. METHODS Contrasting rice genotypes, IR64 and deeper-rooting Black Gora were grown in various soil conditions for 2 weeks. For the AWD treatments the soil was either maintained in a puddled state, equilibrated to -5 kPa (WET), or dried to -50 kPa and then rewetted at the water potential of -5 kPa (DRY-WET). There was an additional manipulated macropore structure treatment, i.e. the soil was broken into aggregates, packed into cores and equilibrated to -5 kPa (REPACKED). A flooded treatment (puddled soil remained flooded until harvest) was set as a control (FLOODED). Soil bulk density, penetration resistance and X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) derived macropore structure were measured. Total root length, root surface area, root volume, average diameter, and tip number were determined by WinRhizo. RESULTS AWD induced formation of macropores and slightly increased soil mechanical impedance. The total root length of the AWD and REPACKED treatments were 1.7-2.2 and 3.5-4.2 times greater than that of the FLOODED treatment. There was no significant difference between WET and DRY-WET treatments. The differences between genotypes were minimal. CONCLUSIONS AWD influenced soil physical properties and some root characteristics of rice seedlings, but drying soil initially to -50 kPa versus -5 kPa had no impact. Macropores formed intentionally from repacking caused a large change in root characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.71 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Hu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.71 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008 China
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU UK
| | - Gareth J. Norton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU UK
| | - Adam H. Price
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU UK
| | - Annette C. Raffan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU UK
| | - Sacha J. Mooney
- Centre for Plant Integrative Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD UK
| | - Xinhua Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.71 East Beijing Road, Nanjing, 210008 China
| | - Paul D. Hallett
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU UK
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Colombi T, Torres LC, Walter A, Keller T. Feedbacks between soil penetration resistance, root architecture and water uptake limit water accessibility and crop growth - A vicious circle. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 626:1026-1035. [PMID: 29898511 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Water is the most limiting resource for global crop production. The projected increase of dry spells due to climate change will further increase the problem of water limited crop yields. Besides low water abundance and availability, water limitations also occur due to restricted water accessibility. Soil penetration resistance, which is largely influenced by soil moisture, is the major soil property regulating root elongation and water accessibility. Until now the interactions between soil penetration resistance, root system properties, water uptake and crop productivity are rarely investigated. In the current study we quantified how interactive effects between soil penetration resistance, root architecture and water uptake affect water accessibility and crop productivity in the field. Maize was grown on compacted and uncompacted soil that was either tilled or remained untilled after compaction, which resulted in four treatments with different topsoil penetration resistance. Higher topsoil penetration resistance caused root systems to be shallower. This resulted in increased water uptake from the topsoil and hence topsoil drying, which further increased the penetration resistance in the uppermost soil layer. As a consequence of this feedback, root growth into deeper soil layers, where water would have been available, was reduced and plant growth decreased. Our results demonstrate that soil penetration resistance, root architecture and water uptake are closely interrelated and thereby determine the potential of plants to access soil water pools. Hence, these interactions and their feedbacks on water accessibility and crop productivity have to be accounted for when developing strategies to alleviate water limitations in cropping systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tino Colombi
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Soil and Environment, Uppsala, Sweden; Agroscope, Department of Agroecology and Environment, Zurich, Switzerland; ETH Zurich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Lorena Chagas Torres
- University of São Paulo, Department of Soil and Plant Nutrition, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Achim Walter
- ETH Zurich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Keller
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Soil and Environment, Uppsala, Sweden; Agroscope, Department of Agroecology and Environment, Zurich, Switzerland
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Canto CDLF, Kalogiros DI, Ptashnyk M, George TS, Waugh R, Bengough AG, Russell J, Dupuy LX. Morphological and genetic characterisation of the root system architecture of selected barley recombinant chromosome substitution lines using an integrated phenotyping approach. J Theor Biol 2018; 447:84-97. [PMID: 29559229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Discoveries on the genetics of resource acquisition efficiency are limited by the ability to measure plant roots in sufficient number and with adequate genotypic variability. This paper presents a root phenotyping study that explores ways to combine live imaging and computer algorithms for model-based extraction of root growth parameters. The study is based on a subset of barley Recombinant Chromosome Substitution Lines (RCSLs) and a combinatorial approach was designed for fast identification of the regions of the genome that contribute the most to variations in root system architecture (RSA). Results showed there was a strong genotypic variation in root growth parameters within the set of genotypes studied. The chromosomal regions associated with primary root growth differed from the regions of the genome associated with changes in lateral root growth. The concepts presented here are discussed in the context of identifying root QTL and its potential to assist breeding for novel crops with improved root systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- C De La Fuente Canto
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom ; School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD2 1PP, United Kingdom
| | - D I Kalogiros
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom ; School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD2 1PP, United Kingdom
| | - M Ptashnyk
- School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD2 1PP, United Kingdom
| | - T S George
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom
| | - R Waugh
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom
| | - A G Bengough
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom ; School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD2 1PP, United Kingdom
| | - J Russell
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom
| | - L X Dupuy
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, United Kingdom .
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Agronomic Management for Enhancing Plant Tolerance to Abiotic Stresses—Drought, Salinity, Hypoxia, and Lodging. HORTICULTURAE 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae3040052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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32
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Helliwell JR, Sturrock CJ, Mairhofer S, Craigon J, Ashton RW, Miller AJ, Whalley WR, Mooney SJ. The emergent rhizosphere: imaging the development of the porous architecture at the root-soil interface. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14875. [PMID: 29093533 PMCID: PMC5665926 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14904-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The rhizosphere is the zone of soil influenced by a plant root and is critical for plant health and nutrient acquisition. All below ground resources must pass through this dynamic zone prior to their capture by plant roots. However, researching the undisturbed rhizosphere has proved very challenging. Here we compare the temporal changes to the intact rhizosphere pore structure during the emergence of a developing root system in different soils. High resolution X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) was used to quantify the impact of root development on soil structural change, at scales relevant to individual micro-pores and aggregates (µm). A comparison of micro-scale structural evolution in homogenously packed soils highlighted the impacts of a penetrating root system in changing the surrounding porous architecture and morphology. Results indicate the structural zone of influence of a root can be more localised than previously reported (µm scale rather than mm scale). With time, growing roots significantly alter the soil physical environment in their immediate vicinity through reducing root-soil contact and crucially increasing porosity at the root-soil interface and not the converse as has often been postulated. This 'rhizosphere pore structure' and its impact on associated dynamics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Helliwell
- Division of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Gateway Building, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
- Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems Department, Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - C J Sturrock
- Division of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Gateway Building, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - S Mairhofer
- Division of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Gateway Building, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - J Craigon
- Division of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Gateway Building, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - R W Ashton
- Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems Department, Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - A J Miller
- Metabolic Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - W R Whalley
- Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems Department, Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - S J Mooney
- Division of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Gateway Building, Sutton Bonington Campus, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK.
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34
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Yan J, Wang B, Zhou Y. A root penetration model of Arabidopsis thaliana in phytagel medium with different strength. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2017; 130:941-950. [PMID: 28315970 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-017-0926-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Phytagel media were evaluated as systems to mechanically impede roots of A. thaliana. Studying mechanical properties of Phytagel and exploring the root response to mechanical stimulation can facilitate plant culture and plant development. Breaking strengths of 0.5-2.0% phytagel media were tested by uniaxial compression test. Different phytagel concentrations were set to alter the strength of layers in growth medium. Negative correlations were observed between root length, straightness and medium strength. When roots elongated through soft upper-layer (0.6%), penetration ratio decreased with the increase of lower-layer strength (0.6-1.2%) and all roots couldn't penetrate into lower-layer with concentration ≥1.2%. Roots could grow into soft lower-layer (0.6%) from hard upper-layer (0.6-1.2%), with decreased penetration ratio. When roots grew in soft lower-layer, the growth rate linked with upper-layer strength increased to peak. Roots penetration capability into 1.2% lower-layer was improved by growing plants through moderate layer inserted between soft and hard layer, and roots in 0.8% moderate medium have a significant higher penetration ratio than that in 1.0%. It was concluded that the Phytagel systems studied were suitable for studying the effect of mechanical impedance on the elongation of A. thaliana roots. The medium strength affected root penetration significantly and acclimation can improve root penetration capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yan
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, No.174, Shapingba Main Street, Chongqing, 400030, People's Republic of China
| | - Bochu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, No.174, Shapingba Main Street, Chongqing, 400030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yong Zhou
- Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, People's Republic of China
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35
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Colombi T, Kirchgessner N, Walter A, Keller T. Root Tip Shape Governs Root Elongation Rate under Increased Soil Strength. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 174:2289-2301. [PMID: 28600344 PMCID: PMC5543947 DOI: 10.1104/pp.17.00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Increased soil strength due to soil compaction or soil drying is a major limitation to root growth and crop productivity. Roots need to exert higher penetration force, resulting in increased penetration stress when elongating in soils of greater strength. This study aimed to quantify how the genotypic diversity of root tip geometry and root diameter influences root elongation under different levels of soil strength and to determine the extent to which roots adjust to increased soil strength. Fourteen wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties were grown in soil columns packed to three bulk densities representing low, moderate, and high soil strength. Under moderate and high soil strength, smaller root tip radius-to-length ratio was correlated with higher genotypic root elongation rate, whereas root diameter was not related to genotypic root elongation. Based on cavity expansion theory, it was found that smaller root tip radius-to-length ratio reduced penetration stress, thus enabling higher root elongation rates in soils with greater strength. Furthermore, it was observed that roots could only partially adjust to increased soil strength. Root thickening was bounded by a maximum diameter, and root tips did not become more acute in response to increased soil strength. The obtained results demonstrated that root tip geometry is a pivotal trait governing root penetration stress and root elongation rate in soils of greater strength. Hence, root tip shape needs to be taken into account when selecting for crop varieties that may tolerate high soil strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tino Colombi
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | | | - Achim Walter
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Keller
- Agroscope, Department of Agroecology and Environment, Zurich 8046, Switzerland
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Soil and Environment, Uppsala 750 07, Sweden
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36
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Burr-Hersey JE, Mooney SJ, Bengough AG, Mairhofer S, Ritz K. Developmental morphology of cover crop species exhibit contrasting behaviour to changes in soil bulk density, revealed by X-ray computed tomography. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181872. [PMID: 28753645 PMCID: PMC5533331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant roots growing through soil typically encounter considerable structural heterogeneity, and local variations in soil dry bulk density. The way the in situ architecture of root systems of different species respond to such heterogeneity is poorly understood due to challenges in visualising roots growing in soil. The objective of this study was to visualise and quantify the impact of abrupt changes in soil bulk density on the roots of three cover crop species with contrasting inherent root morphologies, viz. tillage radish (Raphanus sativus), vetch (Vicia sativa) and black oat (Avena strigosa). The species were grown in soil columns containing a two-layer compaction treatment featuring a 1.2 g cm-3 (uncompacted) zone overlaying a 1.4 g cm-3 (compacted) zone. Three-dimensional visualisations of the root architecture were generated via X-ray computed tomography, and an automated root-segmentation imaging algorithm. Three classes of behaviour were manifest as a result of roots encountering the compacted interface, directly related to the species. For radish, there was switch from a single tap-root to multiple perpendicular roots which penetrated the compacted zone, whilst for vetch primary roots were diverted more horizontally with limited lateral growth at less acute angles. Black oat roots penetrated the compacted zone with no apparent deviation. Smaller root volume, surface area and lateral growth were consistently observed in the compacted zone in comparison to the uncompacted zone across all species. The rapid transition in soil bulk density had a large effect on root morphology that differed greatly between species, with major implications for how these cover crops will modify and interact with soil structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine E. Burr-Hersey
- Division of Agricultural & Environmental Science, School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sacha J. Mooney
- Division of Agricultural & Environmental Science, School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - A. Glyn Bengough
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, United Kingdom
- School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Mairhofer
- School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Karl Ritz
- Division of Agricultural & Environmental Science, School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
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37
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Colombi T, Braun S, Keller T, Walter A. Artificial macropores attract crop roots and enhance plant productivity on compacted soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 574:1283-1293. [PMID: 27712865 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.07.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The structure of compacted soils is characterised by decreased (macro-)porosity, which leads to increased mechanical impedance and decreased fluid transport rates, resulting in reduced root growth and crop productivity. Particularly in soils with high mechanical impedance, macropores can be used by roots as pathways of least resistance. This study investigated how different soil physical states relate to whole plant growth and whether roots grow towards spots with favourable soil physical conditions. Experiments were conducted under controlled and field conditions. Soybean (Glycine max L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) were grown on uncompacted soil, compacted soil and compacted soil with artificial macropores. The interactions between roots and artificial macropores were quantified using X-ray computed tomography. Active growth of roots towards artificial macropores was observed for all three species. Roots grew either into macropores (predominantly in maize) or crossed them (predominantly in wheat). The presence of artificial macropores in compacted soil enabled all three species to compensate for decreased early vigour at later developmental stages. These results show that roots sense their physical environment, enabling them to grow towards spots with favourable soil conditions. The different kinds of root-macropore interaction indicated that macropores serve as a path of least resistance and a source of oxygen, both resulting in increased crop productivity on compacted soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tino Colombi
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS), ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Serge Braun
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS), ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Keller
- Agroscope, Department of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Zurich, Switzerland; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Soil and Environment, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Achim Walter
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS), ETH Zurich, Switzerland
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38
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Bizet F, Bengough AG, Hummel I, Bogeat-Triboulot MB, Dupuy LX. 3D deformation field in growing plant roots reveals both mechanical and biological responses to axial mechanical forces. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2016; 67:5605-5614. [PMID: 27664958 PMCID: PMC5066484 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erw320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Strong regions and physical barriers in soils may slow root elongation, leading to reduced water and nutrient uptake and decreased yield. In this study, the biomechanical responses of roots to axial mechanical forces were assessed by combining 3D live imaging, kinematics and a novel mechanical sensor. This system quantified Young's elastic modulus of intact poplar roots (32MPa), a rapid <0.2 mN touch-elongation sensitivity, and the critical elongation force applied by growing roots that resulted in bending. Kinematic analysis revealed a multiphase bio-mechanical response of elongation rate and curvature in 3D. Measured critical elongation force was accurately predicted from an Euler buckling model, indicating that no biologically mediated accommodation to mechanical forces influenced bending during this short period of time. Force applied by growing roots increased more than 15-fold when buckling was prevented by lateral bracing of the root. The junction between the growing and the mature zones was identified as a zone of mechanical weakness that seemed critical to the bending process. This work identified key limiting factors for root growth and buckling under mechanical constraints. The findings are relevant to crop and soil sciences, and advance our understanding of root growth in heterogeneous structured soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Bizet
- UMR EEF, INRA, Université de Lorraine, 54280 Champenoux, France
| | - A Glyn Bengough
- James Hutton Institute, Ecological Sciences group, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Irène Hummel
- UMR EEF, INRA, Université de Lorraine, 54280 Champenoux, France
| | | | - Lionel X Dupuy
- James Hutton Institute, Ecological Sciences group, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
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39
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Gao W, Hodgkinson L, Jin K, Watts CW, Ashton RW, Shen J, Ren T, Dodd IC, Binley A, Phillips AL, Hedden P, Hawkesford MJ, Whalley WR. Deep roots and soil structure. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2016; 39:1662-8. [PMID: 26650587 PMCID: PMC4950291 DOI: 10.1111/pce.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
In this opinion article we examine the relationship between penetrometer resistance and soil depth in the field. Assuming that root growth is inhibited at penetrometer resistances > 2.5 MPa, we conclude that in most circumstances the increases in penetrometer resistance with depth are sufficiently great to confine most deep roots to elongating in existing structural pores. We suggest that deep rooting is more likely related to the interaction between root architecture and soil structure than it is to the ability of a root to deform strong soil. Although the ability of roots to deform strong soil is an important trait, we propose it is more closely related to root exploration of surface layers than deep rooting.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Gao
- China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - L Hodgkinson
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - K Jin
- Huazhong Agricultural University, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - C W Watts
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, St. Albans, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - R W Ashton
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, St. Albans, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - J Shen
- China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - T Ren
- China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - I C Dodd
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - A Binley
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - A L Phillips
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, St. Albans, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - P Hedden
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, St. Albans, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - M J Hawkesford
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, St. Albans, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - W R Whalley
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, St. Albans, AL5 2JQ, UK
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40
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Wu L, Zhang X, Griffith BA, Misselbrook TH. Sustainable grassland systems: a modelling perspective based on the North Wyke Farm Platform. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE 2016; 67:397-408. [PMID: 27867312 PMCID: PMC5108350 DOI: 10.1111/ejss.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The North Wyke Farm Platform (NWFP) provides data from the field- to the farm-scale, enabling the research community to address key issues in sustainable agriculture better and to test models that are capable of simulating soil, plant and animal processes involved in the systems. The tested models can then be used to simulate how agro-ecosystems will respond to changes in the environment and management. In this study, we used baseline datasets generated from the NWFP to validate the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum System (SPACSYS) model in relation to the dynamics of soil water content, water loss from runoff and forage biomass removal. The validated model, together with future climate scenarios for the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s (from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES): medium (A1B) and large (A1F1) emission scenarios), were used to simulate the long-term responses of the system with three contrasting treatments on the NWFP. Simulation results demonstrated that the SPACSYS model could estimate reliably the dynamics of soil water content, water loss from runoff and drainage, and cut biomass for a permanent sward. The treatments responded in different ways under the climate change scenarios. More carbon (C) is fixed and respired by the swards treated with an increased use of legumes, whereas less C was lost through soil respiration with the planned reseeding. The deep-rooting grass in the reseeding treatment reduced N losses through leaching, runoff and gaseous emissions, and water loss from runoff compared with the other two treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Wu
- Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems DepartmentRothamsted ResearchNorth WykeOkehamptonEX20 2SBUK
| | - X. Zhang
- Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems DepartmentRothamsted ResearchNorth WykeOkehamptonEX20 2SBUK
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Crop Nutrition and FertilizationInstitute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences12 Zhongguancun South Avenue, Beijing100081China
| | - B. A. Griffith
- Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems DepartmentRothamsted ResearchNorth WykeOkehamptonEX20 2SBUK
| | - T. H. Misselbrook
- Sustainable Soils and Grassland Systems DepartmentRothamsted ResearchNorth WykeOkehamptonEX20 2SBUK
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Rogers ED, Monaenkova D, Mijar M, Nori A, Goldman DI, Benfey PN. X-Ray Computed Tomography Reveals the Response of Root System Architecture to Soil Texture. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 171:2028-40. [PMID: 27208237 PMCID: PMC4936573 DOI: 10.1104/pp.16.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Root system architecture (RSA) impacts plant fitness and crop yield by facilitating efficient nutrient and water uptake from the soil. A better understanding of the effects of soil on RSA could improve crop productivity by matching roots to their soil environment. We used x-ray computed tomography to perform a detailed three-dimensional quantification of changes in rice (Oryza sativa) RSA in response to the physical properties of a granular substrate. We characterized the RSA of eight rice cultivars in five different growth substrates and determined that RSA is the result of interactions between genotype and growth environment. We identified cultivar-specific changes in RSA in response to changing growth substrate texture. The cultivar Azucena exhibited low RSA plasticity in all growth substrates, whereas cultivar Bala root depth was a function of soil hardness. Our imaging techniques provide a framework to study RSA in different growth environments, the results of which can be used to improve root traits with agronomic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Rogers
- Department of Biology (E.D.R., M.M., P.N.B.) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (P.N.B.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; andSchool of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 (D.M., A.N., D.I.G.)
| | - Daria Monaenkova
- Department of Biology (E.D.R., M.M., P.N.B.) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (P.N.B.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; andSchool of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 (D.M., A.N., D.I.G.)
| | - Medhavinee Mijar
- Department of Biology (E.D.R., M.M., P.N.B.) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (P.N.B.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; andSchool of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 (D.M., A.N., D.I.G.)
| | - Apoorva Nori
- Department of Biology (E.D.R., M.M., P.N.B.) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (P.N.B.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; andSchool of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 (D.M., A.N., D.I.G.)
| | - Daniel I Goldman
- Department of Biology (E.D.R., M.M., P.N.B.) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (P.N.B.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; andSchool of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 (D.M., A.N., D.I.G.)
| | - Philip N Benfey
- Department of Biology (E.D.R., M.M., P.N.B.) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (P.N.B.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; andSchool of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 (D.M., A.N., D.I.G.)
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Colombi T, Walter A. Root responses of triticale and soybean to soil compaction in the field are reproducible under controlled conditions. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2016; 43:114-128. [PMID: 32480446 DOI: 10.1071/fp15194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Soil compaction includes a set of underlying stresses that limit root growth such as increased impedance and limited oxygen availability. The aims of the present study were to (i) find acclimations of triticale (× Triticosecale) and soybean (Glycine max L.) roots to compacted soils in the field; (ii) reproduce these under controlled conditions; and (iii) associate these responses with soil physical properties. To this end, plants were grown at two different soil bulk densities in the field and under controlled conditions representing mature root systems and the seedling stage respectively. Diameters, lateral branching densities, the cortical proportion within the total root cross-section and the occurrence of cortical aerenchyma of main roots were quantified. Soil compaction caused decreasing root branching and increasing cortical proportions in both crops and environments. In triticale, root diameters and the occurrence of aerenchyma increased in response to compaction in the field and under controlled conditions. In soybean, these acclimations occurred at an initial developmental stage but due to radial root growth not in mature roots. These results showed that responses of root systems to compacted soils in the field are, to a large extent, reproducible under controlled conditions, enabling increased throughput, phenotyping-based breeding programs in the future. Furthermore, the occurrence of aerenchyma clearly indicated the important role of limited oxygen availability in compacted soils on root growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tino Colombi
- ETH Zurich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS), Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Achim Walter
- ETH Zurich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS), Universitätstrasse 2, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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43
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Bengough AG, Loades K, McKenzie BM. Root hairs aid soil penetration by anchoring the root surface to pore walls. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2016; 67:1071-8. [PMID: 26798027 PMCID: PMC4753853 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erv560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The physical role of root hairs in anchoring the root tip during soil penetration was examined. Experiments using a hairless maize mutant (Zea mays: rth3-3) and its wild-type counterpart measured the anchorage force between the primary root of maize and the soil to determine whether root hairs enabled seedling roots in artificial biopores to penetrate sandy loam soil (dry bulk density 1.0-1.5g cm(-3)). Time-lapse imaging was used to analyse root and seedling displacements in soil adjacent to a transparent Perspex interface. Peak anchorage forces were up to five times greater (2.5N cf. 0.5N) for wild-type roots than for hairless mutants in 1.2g cm(-3) soil. Root hair anchorage enabled better soil penetration for 1.0 or 1.2g cm(-3) soil, but there was no significant advantage of root hairs in the densest soil (1.5g cm(-3)). The anchorage force was insufficient to allow root penetration of the denser soil, probably because of less root hair penetration into pore walls and, consequently, poorer adhesion between the root hairs and the pore walls. Hairless seedlings took 33h to anchor themselves compared with 16h for wild-type roots in 1.2g cm(-3) soil. Caryopses were often pushed several millimetres out of the soil before the roots became anchored and hairless roots often never became anchored securely.The physical role of root hairs in anchoring the root tip may be important in loose seed beds above more compact soil layers and may also assist root tips to emerge from biopores and penetrate the bulk soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Glyn Bengough
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Kenneth Loades
- The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
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Relative Roles of Soil Moisture, Nutrient Supply, Depth, and Mechanical Impedance in Determining Composition and Structure of Wisconsin Prairies. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137963. [PMID: 26368936 PMCID: PMC4569388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecologists have long classified Midwestern prairies based on compositional variation assumed to reflect local gradients in moisture availability. The best known classification is based on Curtis’ continuum index (CI), calculated using the presence of indicator species thought centered on different portions of an underlying moisture gradient. Direct evidence of the extent to which CI reflects differences in moisture availability has been lacking, however. Many factors that increase moisture availability (e.g., soil depth, silt content) also increase nutrient supply and decrease soil mechanical impedance; the ecological effects of the last have rarely been considered in any ecosystem. Decreased soil mechanical impedance should increase the availability of soil moisture and nutrients by reducing the root costs of retrieving both. Here we assess the relative importance of soil moisture, nutrient supply, and mechanical impedance in determining prairie composition and structure. We used leaf δ13C of C3 plants as a measure of growing-season moisture availability, cation exchange capacity (CEC) x soil depth as a measure of mineral nutrient availability, and penetrometer data as a measure of soil mechanical impedance. Community composition and structure were assessed in 17 remnant prairies in Wisconsin which vary little in annual precipitation. Ordination and regression analyses showed that δ13C increased with CI toward “drier” sites, and decreased with soil depth and % silt content. Variation in δ13C among remnants was 2.0‰, comparable to that along continental gradients from ca. 500–1500 mm annual rainfall. As predicted, LAI and average leaf height increased significantly toward “wetter” sites. CI accounted for 54% of compositional variance but δ13C accounted for only 6.2%, despite the strong relationships of δ13C to CI and CI to composition. Compositional variation reflects soil fertility and mechanical impedance more than moisture availability. This study is the first to quantify the effects of soil mechanical impedance on community ecology.
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Downie HF, Adu MO, Schmidt S, Otten W, Dupuy LX, White PJ, Valentine TA. Challenges and opportunities for quantifying roots and rhizosphere interactions through imaging and image analysis. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2015; 38:1213-32. [PMID: 25211059 DOI: 10.1111/pce.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The morphology of roots and root systems influences the efficiency by which plants acquire nutrients and water, anchor themselves and provide stability to the surrounding soil. Plant genotype and the biotic and abiotic environment significantly influence root morphology, growth and ultimately crop yield. The challenge for researchers interested in phenotyping root systems is, therefore, not just to measure roots and link their phenotype to the plant genotype, but also to understand how the growth of roots is influenced by their environment. This review discusses progress in quantifying root system parameters (e.g. in terms of size, shape and dynamics) using imaging and image analysis technologies and also discusses their potential for providing a better understanding of root:soil interactions. Significant progress has been made in image acquisition techniques, however trade-offs exist between sample throughput, sample size, image resolution and information gained. All of these factors impact on downstream image analysis processes. While there have been significant advances in computation power, limitations still exist in statistical processes involved in image analysis. Utilizing and combining different imaging systems, integrating measurements and image analysis where possible, and amalgamating data will allow researchers to gain a better understanding of root:soil interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- H F Downie
- The SIMBIOS Centre, Abertay University, Dundee, DD1 1HG, UK
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK
| | - M O Adu
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK
- Plant and Crop Sciences Division, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - S Schmidt
- The SIMBIOS Centre, Abertay University, Dundee, DD1 1HG, UK
| | - W Otten
- The SIMBIOS Centre, Abertay University, Dundee, DD1 1HG, UK
| | - L X Dupuy
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK
| | - P J White
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK
- King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - T A Valentine
- Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK
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Lynch JP, Wojciechowski T. Opportunities and challenges in the subsoil: pathways to deeper rooted crops. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2015; 66:2199-210. [PMID: 25582451 PMCID: PMC4986715 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eru508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Greater exploitation of subsoil resources by annual crops would afford multiple benefits, including greater water and N acquisition in most agroecosystems, and greater sequestration of atmospheric C. Constraints to root growth in the subsoil include soil acidity (an edaphic stress complex consisting of toxic levels of Al, inadequate levels of P and Ca, and often toxic levels of Mn), soil compaction, hypoxia, and suboptimal temperature. Multiple root phenes under genetic control are associated with adaptation to these constraints, opening up the possibility of breeding annual crops with root traits improving subsoil exploration. Adaptation to Al toxicity, hypoxia, and P deficiency are intensively researched, adaptation to soil hardness and suboptimal temperature less so, and adaptations to Ca deficiency and Mn toxicity are poorly understood. The utility of specific phene states may vary among soil taxa and management scenarios, interactions which in general are poorly understood. These traits and issues merit research because of their potential value in developing more productive, sustainable, benign, and resilient agricultural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Lynch
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA IBG2, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich D-52445, Germany
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Rogers ED, Benfey PN. Regulation of plant root system architecture: implications for crop advancement. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2014; 32:93-98. [PMID: 25448235 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2014.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Root system architecture (RSA) plays a major role in plant fitness, crop performance, and grain yield yet only recently has this role been appreciated. RSA describes the spatial arrangement of root tissue within the soil and is therefore crucial to nutrient and water uptake. Recent studies have identified many of the genetic and environmental factors influencing root growth that contribute to RSA. Some of the identified genes have the potential to limit crop loss caused by environmental extremes and are currently being used to confer drought tolerance. It is hypothesized that manipulating these and other genes that influence RSA will be pivotal for future crop advancements worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Rogers
- Department of Biology and Duke Center for Systems Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Philip N Benfey
- Department of Biology and Duke Center for Systems Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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48
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Cameron EK, Cahill JF, Bayne EM. Root foraging influences plant growth responses to earthworm foraging. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108873. [PMID: 25268503 PMCID: PMC4182600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions among the foraging behaviours of co-occurring animal species can impact population and community dynamics; the consequences of interactions between plant and animal foraging behaviours have received less attention. In North American forests, invasions by European earthworms have led to substantial changes in plant community composition. Changes in leaf litter have been identified as a critical indirect mechanism driving earthworm impacts on plants. However, there has been limited examination of the direct effects of earthworm burrowing on plant growth. Here we show a novel second pathway exists, whereby earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) impact plant root foraging. In a mini-rhizotron experiment, roots occurred more frequently in burrows and soil cracks than in the soil matrix. The roots of Achillea millefolium L. preferentially occupied earthworm burrows, where nutrient availability was presumably higher than in cracks due to earthworm excreta. In contrast, the roots of Campanula rotundifolia L. were less likely to occur in burrows. This shift in root behaviour was associated with a 30% decline in the overall biomass of C. rotundifolia when earthworms were present. Our results indicate earthworm impacts on plant foraging can occur indirectly via physical and chemical changes to the soil and directly via root consumption or abrasion and thus may be one factor influencing plant growth and community change following earthworm invasion. More generally, this work demonstrates the potential for interactions to occur between the foraging behaviours of plants and soil animals and emphasizes the importance of integrating behavioural understanding in foraging studies involving plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin K. Cameron
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - James F. Cahill
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Erin M. Bayne
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Field Phenotyping and Long-Term Platforms to Characterise How Crop Genotypes Interact with Soil Processes and the Environment. AGRONOMY-BASEL 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/agronomy4020242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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50
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Adu MO, Chatot A, Wiesel L, Bennett MJ, Broadley MR, White PJ, Dupuy LX. A scanner system for high-resolution quantification of variation in root growth dynamics of Brassica rapa genotypes. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2014; 65:2039-48. [PMID: 24604732 PMCID: PMC3991737 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eru048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The potential exists to breed for root system architectures that optimize resource acquisition. However, this requires the ability to screen root system development quantitatively, with high resolution, in as natural an environment as possible, with high throughput. This paper describes the construction of a low-cost, high-resolution root phenotyping platform, requiring no sophisticated equipment and adaptable to most laboratory and glasshouse environments, and its application to quantify environmental and temporal variation in root traits between genotypes of Brassica rapa L. Plants were supplied with a complete nutrient solution through the wick of a germination paper. Images of root systems were acquired without manual intervention, over extended periods, using multiple scanners controlled by customized software. Mixed-effects models were used to describe the sources of variation in root traits contributing to root system architecture estimated from digital images. It was calculated that between one and 43 replicates would be required to detect a significant difference (95% CI 50% difference between traits). Broad-sense heritability was highest for shoot biomass traits (>0.60), intermediate (0.25-0.60) for the length and diameter of primary roots and lateral root branching density on the primary root, and lower (<0.25) for other root traits. Models demonstrate that root traits show temporal variations of various types. The phenotyping platform described here can be used to quantify environmental and temporal variation in traits contributing to root system architecture in B. rapa and can be extended to screen the large populations required for breeding for efficient resource acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael O. Adu
- Department of Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK
- Plant and Crop Sciences Division, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Antoine Chatot
- Department of Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK
| | - Lea Wiesel
- Department of Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK
| | - Malcolm J. Bennett
- Plant and Crop Sciences Division, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Martin R. Broadley
- Plant and Crop Sciences Division, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Philip J. White
- Department of Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK
| | - Lionel X. Dupuy
- Department of Ecological Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK
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