What question did this study set out to answer?

To formulate a functional root ideotype that coordinates root architecture, anatomy, and physiology to maximize water and nitrogen acquisition in maize across varying agricultural systems.

January 17, 2013Annals of BotanyOpen Access

Steep, cheap and deep: an ideotype to optimize water and N acquisition by maize root systems

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Authors

JLJonathan P. LynchBrigham Young University

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Implication

Conceptual analysis outlines an optimized root ideotype for maize, suggesting that deep, metabolically efficient root systems maximize water and nitrogen capture.

Key Points

To formulate a functional root ideotype that coordinates root architecture, anatomy, and physiology to maximize water and nitrogen acquisition in maize across varying agricultural systems.
Synthesized empirical evidence and theoretical models of spatiotemporal resource distribution, focusing on the downward movement of water and nitrate in the soil profile.
Integrated architectural root phenes (growth angles, branching patterns) with anatomical traits (cortical respiratory burden) and physiological uptake kinetics.
Identified architectural traits that promote deep foraging, including steep crown and seminal root growth angles, intermediate root numbers, and sparse but long lateral branches.
Defined anatomical adaptations that lower root metabolic costs ('cheap' phenes), such as abundant cortical aerenchyma, enlarged cortical cell size, and accelerated cortical senescence.
Coupled physical root structure with physiological transport kinetics (low Km and high Vmax for nitrate uptake) to sustain efficient resource capture in low-input and high-input systems.

Cite This Study

Jonathan P. Lynch (2013) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69dca57389c4deb67d359481 https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcs293

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Implication

Conceptual analysis outlines an optimized root ideotype for maize, suggesting that deep, metabolically efficient root systems maximize water and nitrogen capture.

Steep, cheap and deep: an ideotype to optimize water and N acquisition by maize root systems

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Steep, cheap and deep: an ideotype to optimize water and N acquisition by maize root systems

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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