Movement of Water in the Soil Root Zone During Transpiration

Abstract

Movement of soil water during transpiration is a complicated process in comparison to evaporation because the root system of plants extracts water (and solute) from the soil using the soil root layer. Evaporation is the typical movement of water to the soil surface (or close to it) from which water is evaporating. The properties of different plants’ root systems and their changes during ontogenesis is described, as well as the influence of different environmental factors on root growth and properties. Richards’ equation describing soil water movement with root extraction is presented. The method of root extraction rate of water estimation from soil water content (SWC) field measurements is presented. This is the proposed method of water uptake evaluation by roots, based on the results of field measurements. This method is used to model water movement and extraction by roots in soil with a plant canopy. The mesoscopic approach to water uptake by an evaluation of roots is described.