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Title: FINE ROOT (< 0.5 MM DIAMETER) ADAPTATION TO NUTRIENT STRESS

Author
item Zobel, Richard

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Meetings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/17/2005
Publication Date: 11/10/2005
Citation: Zobel, R.W. 2005. Fine root (< 0.5 mm diameter) adaptation to nutrient stress. American Society of Agronomy Annual Meetings. Salt Lake City, UT. November 6-10, 2005. Abstracts CD.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Few attempts at in-situ assessment of root function exist, but many studies have attempted to relate observable and measurable root morphologies and anatomies to root function. One of the most successful has been Specific Root Length (SRL - meters of root per gram of root biomass). SRL requires a few basic assumptions to be efficacious: a) all roots measured are of the same mass density (dry weight per unit volume), b) actual root diameter does not change with treatments or environmental perturbations. Data will be presented that demonstrate that, for a range of species, the two assumptions are not valid characterizations of root response to nutrient stress.