Abstract

Root water uptake induces additional soil suction by soil water extraction. However, induced soil suction restricts root water uptake when beyond a threshold (st) and tends to stop water uptake at a limiting suction (sl). This process is called root–soil hydraulic interactions, whose relationship with plant morphology (e.g., plant height, leaf area, and root length) is unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of plant morphology on response of the sink term (water uptake intensity; WUI) to soil suction for Schefflera heptaphylla. Laboratory tests were conducted on 26 individuals in five different height groups. A new empirical model was derived to consider effects of plant morphology on root water uptake distribution in the full soil suction range. The locations of maximum root length density (RLD) and WUI for taller individuals were relatively deeper and farther from centreline. Before soil suction reached st, water uptake length ability (WULA) remained at a maximum level, positively related to LR ratio (ratio between leaf area, LA, and root length, RL), but less affected by plant height. For taller plants, the decreasing rate of stwith LR ratio was larger, while the decreasing rate of WULA with soil suction beyond stappeared smaller. slappeared independent of height, LA, and RL.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.