Root system architecture reorganization under decreasing soil phosphorus lowers root system conductance of Zea mays.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The global supply of phosphorus (P) is decreasing. At the same time, climate change is reducing the availability of water in most regions of the world. Insights into how decreasing P availability influences plant architecture are crucial to understanding its influence on plant functional properties, such as the root system's water uptake capacity.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the structural and functional responses of Zea mays to varying P fertilization levels focusing especially on the root system's conductance. A rhizotron experiment with soils ranging from severe P deficiency to sufficiency was conducted. We measured the architectural parameters of the whole plant and combined them with root hydraulic properties to simulate time-dependent roo

SUBMITTER: Bauer FM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12682837 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature