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Soil strength influences wheat root interactions with soil macropores.
Jonathan A Atkinson1, Malcolm J Hawkesford2, William R Whalley2
1School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|October 11, 2019
Summary
Wheat roots colonize soil macropores to bypass compacted layers, especially in dense soil. Encouraging macropores can improve deep root growth and nutrient access in subsoil.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Soil Science
- Agronomy
Background:
- Deep rooting is crucial for wheat to access water and nutrients in subsoil.
- Soil compaction and increased strength with depth hinder root penetration.
- Roots may utilize macropores (soil cavities > 75 μm) to navigate dense soil layers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate wheat root interactions with artificial macropores in soils of varying densities.
- To quantify the role of macropore colonization in wheat root penetration strategies.
- To assess the trait of trematotropism in wheat root growth.
Main Methods:
- Artificial macropores were created in repacked soil columns at 1.6 g cm⁻³ (compact) and 1.2 g cm⁻³ (loose) bulk densities.
- Near isogenic lines of wheat (Rht-B1a and Rht-B1c) were grown in these columns.
- Root-macropore interactions were visualized and quantified using X-ray computed tomography.
Main Results:
- In compact soil, 68.8% of root-macropore interactions led to pore colonization, versus 12.5% in loose soil.
- Root direction change after interacting with a macropore was significantly higher in compact soil (76.0%) compared to loose soil (21.0%).
- Wheat roots actively colonized macropores in compact soil, indicating a strategy to overcome penetration resistance.
Conclusions:
- Macropore colonization is a key strategy for wheat roots navigating compacted subsoil.
- Reducing subsoil compaction and promoting macropore formation can enhance deep root penetration.
- This research highlights the importance of soil structure management for improving crop water and nutrient acquisition.
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