Root growth: Great resource from Cornell University reminded me of the hand-drawn sketches of root system excavations from 1,180 species. What a life’s work for these two Austrian botanists!
Cornell poster here: https://lnkd.in/eJR_YdVW
Wagenigen root sketches here: https://lnkd.in/e-7d_V9j
The link between roots and nutrient use efficiency is fundamental. Healthy roots play a crucial role in nutrient uptake, water absorption, and anchoring plants in the soil.
Nutrient Absorption: Healthy roots are responsible for absorbing essential nutrients from the soil.
Root Architecture: Root length, density, and branching patterns, etc. all affects nutrient uptake efficiency. Healthy roots with a well-branched and extensive root system have a larger surface area for nutrient absorption.
Root-Microbe Interactions: Healthy roots establish symbiotic relationships with beneficial soil microbes, such as mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia bacteria. These microbes help enhance nutrient availability to plants by facilitating nutrient uptake, improving soil structure, and aiding in nutrient cycling processes. Still much to learn here.
Stress Response: Healthy roots better withstand environmental stresses, such as drought, salinity, and nutrient deficiencies. Biostimulants look promising to help here too.
Improving root health through practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, proper irrigation management, balanced fertilization, alleviating acidity, and minimizing soil compaction can all enhance nutrient use efficiency.
Advancements in plant breeding and biotechnology are focusing on developing crop varieties with traits that promote healthy root systems and improve nutrient uptake. Exciting times to be involved in plant nutrition!
Oh, also check out Isaac Madsen VeriRoot videos on real-time root growth
