The Root System Architecture and Development of Senecio vulgaris in Elevated CO 2 and Drought

The impact of elevated CO 2 and drought on the architecture and development of root systems of Senecio vulgaris was examined and implications for water and nutrient uptake discussed. Plants were grown in miniature rhizotrons to non-destructively monitor the development of roots in situ at both an elevated (700 μmol mol #751 ) and ambient (350 μmol mol #751 ) atmospheric CO 2 concentration and a high or a low supply of water. CO 2 and water had a significant impact on the way that S. vulgaris root systems filled the soil matrix. Elevated CO 2 resulted in more branched, longer root systems that foraged through larger volumes of soil (...)