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Advances in Molecular Breeding Toward Drought and Salt Tolerant Crops pp 55–72Cite as

Root growth response and functioning as an adaptation in water limiting soils

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Abstract

In this chapter we consider the advantages and disadvantages of different root growth patterns and root functional characteristics in terms of water and nutrient uptake from soils depleted of these resources. Impacts are considered within a framework of analysis which considers crop yield to be a function of water available to the crop during its life cycle, the amount of biomass produced by the crop for every unit of water available and the proportion of the biomass produced going into reproductive yield. Root properties will impact on all of these variables and can therefore impact substantially on yield in conditions where water and nutrients are limiting. We suggest that regulation of this kind can form an effective basis for crop improvement programs focused on dryland environments

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK

    W.J. Davies

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  1. W.J. Davies
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Horticulture Department, Purdue University, West Lafayette, U.S.A

    Matthew A. Jenks

  2. Horticulture Department, Purdue University, West Lafayette, U.S.A

    Paul M. Hasegawa

  3. Department of Applied Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

    S. Mohan Jain

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Davies, W. (2007). Root growth response and functioning as an adaptation in water limiting soils. In: Jenks, M.A., Hasegawa, P.M., Jain, S.M. (eds) Advances in Molecular Breeding Toward Drought and Salt Tolerant Crops. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5578-2_3

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