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ARS Home » Plains Area » Fort Collins, Colorado » Center for Agricultural Resources Research » Water Management and Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #395758
Research Project: Improving Crop Performance and Precision Irrigation Management in Semi-Arid Regions through Data-Driven Research, AI, and Integrated Models

Location: Water Management and Systems Research

Title: Soil biology: Root form and function

Author
item GARBOWSKI, M - University Of Wyoming
item FRESCHET, G - Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique
item BROWN, C - Colorado State University
item JACKSON, L - University Of California, Davis
item Comas, Louise

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/13/2023
Publication Date: 8/16/2023
Citation: Garbowski, M., Freschet, G.T., Brown, C.S., Jackson, L.E., Comas, L.H. 2023. Soil biology: Root form and function. In: Goss, M., Oliver, M., editors. Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment. 2nd edition. Lexington, MA: Elsevier. p. 321-331.

Interpretive Summary: Research focused on root traits and functions has grown rapidly over the last several decades. Recent research has identified trade-offs associated with root traits and clarified how specific traits influence plant performance in the face of various environmental stressors including drought, soil compaction, nutrient limitation, and salinity. Data from around the world are being used to advance understanding of how roots drive numerous ecosystems functions such as productivity, water and nutrient cycling, and erosion. Studies focused on anatomy and hormonal control of root growth continue to improve our understanding of how roots respond to changing environments throughout plant development. In addition, improved methods in quantitative genetics and genomics allow researchers to better understand the genetic underpinnings of root traits and functions. In a rapidly changing world, advanced understanding of root form and function has important implications for agriculture, restoration, and land management.

Technical Abstract: Research focused on root traits and functions has grown rapidly over the last several decades. Recent research has identified trade-offs associated with root traits and clarified how specific traits influence plant performance in the face of various environmental stressors including drought, soil compaction, nutrient limitation, and salinity. Data from around the world are being used to advance understanding of how roots drive numerous ecosystems functions such as productivity, water and nutrient cycling, and erosion. Studies focused on anatomy and hormonal control of root growth continue to improve our understanding of how roots respond to changing environments throughout plant development. In addition, improved methods in quantitative genetics and genomics allow researchers to better understand the genetic underpinnings of root traits and functions. In a rapidly changing world, advanced understanding of root form and function has important implications for agriculture, restoration, and land management.