A simulation model of root and shoot growth at different levels of nitrogen availability

Abstract

A simulation model is presented for root and shoot growth, in the vegetative stage, based on current knowledge of the nitrogen and carbon metabolism. Although the model is of general applicability, values for the various parameters are based on experiments with maize plants (van Oijen et al., 1986). Our prime interest in building the model was the elucidation of mechanisms underlying growth, N (re)distribution between plant organs and the regulation of the root-shoot ratio. Application of the model in ecophysiology and plant breeding was an objective in constructing the model. The model calculates the dynamics of uptake and transport processes, biochemical conversions, respiration and the concentrations of five groups of chemical compounds in the tissues, and the consequences for growth of roots and shoot at different levels of N-supply. As far as we are aware, no other models on this level of organization of biological systems have been presented.