Root hairs and the acquisition of plant nutrients from soil

The literature on the role of root hairs when plants acquire mineral nutrients from soil is reviewed. After a short outline of the root properties affecting the acquisition of nutrients, the roles of root hairs are discussed in four sections, entitled: morphological properties of root hairs, mode of action of root hairs, factors affecting the formation of root hairs, and relationship between root hair formation and plant nutrient uptake. The formation of root hairs depends on both genetic and environmental factors, particularly the supply of phosphate and nitrate. It is concluded that root hairs may substantially contribute to the acquisition of nutrients, mainly those of low mobility in soil and high demand in plants. The percentage of a nutrient acquired by root hairs varies widely, from almost zero to approximately 80 % of the total uptake of the nutrient. The contribution of root hairs depends on plant species and the genetic variability of root hair formation on the one hand, and the kind of nutrient and its availability in soil on the other. According to the published reports, essentially only phosphorus and potassium were considered.