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An Optimized Rhizobox Protocol to Visualize Root Growth and Responsiveness to Localized Nutrients
Published on: October 22, 2018
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A large and deep root system underlies high nitrogen-use efficiency in maize production
Peng Yu1, Xuexian Li1, Philip J White2
1Department of Plant Nutrition, College of Resources and Environmental Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
Plos One
|May 16, 2015
Summary
Improving nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) in maize is key to reducing environmental impact. Studies show larger, deeper root systems correlate with higher NUE, suggesting breeding for these traits can decrease fertilizer use and N leaching.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Agronomy
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Excessive nitrogen (N) fertilization leads to low N-use efficiency (NUE), causing soil acidification, N leaching, and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improving NUE in crop production is a global challenge, with enhanced N uptake by roots being a critical strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare root traits and NUE in maize grown in China and western countries.
- To identify the factors influencing differences in maize root architecture and NUE between regions.
- To provide recommendations for breeding strategies to enhance maize NUE.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of 106 studies on maize root dry weight (RDW), root/shoot biomass ratio (R/S), and NUE since 1959.
- Field trials comparing representative maize hybrids from China and the US.
- Analysis of root architecture, N uptake, and mineral N removal.
Main Results:
- Maize varieties in western countries exhibited significantly greater R/S and NUE than those in China.
- Differences in RDW and R/S were not attributed to climate, geography, or stress factors.
- US maize hybrids showed superior root architecture for N uptake and greater mineral N removal from soil.
Conclusions:
- High NUE in maize is underpinned by large, deep root systems with appropriate architecture and stress tolerance.
- Breeding for enhanced root traits can reduce N fertilizer application and N leaching in maize production.
- Increasing stress tolerance in maize cultivars is crucial, particularly for production in China.
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