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Geometrical properties of simulated maize root systems: consequences for length density and intersection density

Geometrical properties of simulated maize root systems: consequences for length density and... The spatial distribution of root length density (RLD) is important because it affects water and nutrient uptake. It is difficult to obtain reliable estimates of RLD because root systems are very variable and heterogeneous. We identified systematic trends, clustering, and anisotropy as geometrical properties of root systems, and studied their consequences for the sampling and observation of roots. We determined the degree of clustering by comparing the coefficient of variation of a simulated root system with that of a Boolean model. We also present an alternative theoretical derivation of the relation between RLD and root intersection density (RID) based on the theory of random processes of fibres. We show how systematic trends, clustering and anisotropy affect the theoretical relation between RLD and RID, and the consequences this has for measurement of RID in the field. We simulated the root systems of one hundred maize crops grown for a thermal time of 600 K d, and analysed the distribution of RLD and root intersection density RID on regular grids of locations throughout the simulated root systems. Systematic trends were most important in the surface layers, decreasing with depth. Clustering and anisotropy both increased with depth. Roots at depth had a bimodal distribution of root orientation, causing changes in the ratio of RLD/RID. The close proximity of the emerging lateral roots and the parent axis caused clustering which increased the coefficient of variation. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Plant and Soil Springer Journals

Geometrical properties of simulated maize root systems: consequences for length density and intersection density

Plant and Soil , Volume 200 (2) – Mar 1, 1998

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References (35)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 by Kluwer Academic Publishers
Subject
Environment; Ecology; Plant Sciences; Plant Physiology; Soil Science & Conservation
ISSN
0032-079X
eISSN
1573-5036
DOI
10.1023/A:1004382531671
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The spatial distribution of root length density (RLD) is important because it affects water and nutrient uptake. It is difficult to obtain reliable estimates of RLD because root systems are very variable and heterogeneous. We identified systematic trends, clustering, and anisotropy as geometrical properties of root systems, and studied their consequences for the sampling and observation of roots. We determined the degree of clustering by comparing the coefficient of variation of a simulated root system with that of a Boolean model. We also present an alternative theoretical derivation of the relation between RLD and root intersection density (RID) based on the theory of random processes of fibres. We show how systematic trends, clustering and anisotropy affect the theoretical relation between RLD and RID, and the consequences this has for measurement of RID in the field. We simulated the root systems of one hundred maize crops grown for a thermal time of 600 K d, and analysed the distribution of RLD and root intersection density RID on regular grids of locations throughout the simulated root systems. Systematic trends were most important in the surface layers, decreasing with depth. Clustering and anisotropy both increased with depth. Roots at depth had a bimodal distribution of root orientation, causing changes in the ratio of RLD/RID. The close proximity of the emerging lateral roots and the parent axis caused clustering which increased the coefficient of variation.

Journal

Plant and SoilSpringer Journals

Published: Mar 1, 1998

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