Architecture of Wetland Plant Root Systems

The boundary conditions for solving Equation (6.1) are (a) at the root base, [02]g is the ambient value in the atmosphere and (b) at the root apex, [02]g is the minimum value required for root respiration 30ttmoldm (gas space)]. The equations are solved numerically. 

The structure of the rice root is therefore apparently dominated by the need for internal gas transport. On the face of it, this structure may conflict with the needs for efficient nutrient absorption (Kirk and Bouldin, 1991). The development of gas-impermeable layers in the root wall seems likely to impair the ability of those parts of the root to absorb nutrients, and the disintegration of the cortex might impair transport from the apoplasm to the main solute transport vessels in the stele, though these points are uncertain (Drew and Saker, 1986 Kronzucker et al, 1998a). It seems likely that the short fine lateral roots are responsible for the bulk of the nutrient absorption by the root system and compensate for any impairment of nutrient absorption by the primary roots as a result of adaptations for internal aeration. 

Although O2 leakage compromises the root s internal aeration, some leakage is desirable for a number of purposes. These include oxidation of toxic products of anaerobic metabolism in submerged soil such as ferrous iron (van Raalte, 1944 Bouldin, 1966 van Mensvoort et al., 1985) nitrification of ammonium to nitrate, there being benefits in mixed nitrate-ammonium nutrition (Kronzucker et al., 1999, 2000) and mobilization of sparingly soluble nutrients such as P (Saleque and Kirk, 1995) and Zn (Kirk and Bajita, 1995) as a result of acidification due to iron oxidation and cation-anion intake imbalance. 

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