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Phosphorus uptake rate and growth characteristics of wheat roots 1 |
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| Authors: | Ningping Lu SA Barber |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Agronomy , Purdue University , West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907, U.S.A.;2. Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Science , Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China;3. Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Science , Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China |
| Abstract: | Phosphorus uptake by plant roots is influenced by the plant root properties and solution P supply characteristics. These properties included (i) the relation between nutrient concentration and uptake rate, (ii) the change in uptake rate with plant age and with root age. Information on the size of nutrient flux values and their change with increasing plant age can be used to determine the nutrient levels needed in the soil to supply nutrients rapidly enough to the root surface to minimize deficiencies. The objective of this research was to determine the relation between plant age and P absorption properties and root growth characteristics of wheat (Triticum vulgare L.) cv. Era. Wheat was grown for periods up to 42 days in solution culture in a controlled climate chamber. Sequential harvests were made and P uptake and root morphology were measured. Shoot growth was exponential with time to 32 days and linear thereafter. Root dry weights increased linearly with time at a slower rate than shoot dry weights. Root length increased logarithmically with time (r2 = 0.95; log y = 0.069x + 1.85). With increasing plant age there was a reduction in average P uptake rate by wheat roots. |
| Keywords: | Solution culture plant age root age |