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Approaches for studying the function of deep root systems

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Plant Response to Stress

Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((ASIG,volume 15))

Abstract

The distribution of roots in a soil column is such that root biomass and length generally decrease abruptly with depth (Böhm 1979). Most studies of roots have considered only those roots in the surface 0.5 to 1.0 m of soil. Although deeper roots have been noted and their significance discussed, few studies have examined the nature of these deep roots in any detail. The most frequently hypothesized function of these deep roots, relates to their ability to extract water which is available beyond the reach of other plants (Cannon 1911; Weaver 1926). However, little has been done to estimate the importance of deep roots in determining plant production or in maintaining the nutrient balance of the plant. The functional significance of N2-fixation, root infection by mycorrhizal fungi and pathogens, and rhizosphere-related microflora and fauna of deep root systems have essentially been ignored..

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, 92182, USA

    R. A. Virginia

  2. Systems Ecology Research Group, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, 92182, USA

    R. A. Virginia

  3. Dry Lands Research Institute and Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, 92521, USA

    W. M. Jarrell

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  1. R. A. Virginia
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  2. W. M. Jarrell
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Systems Ecology Research Group, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA

    John D. Tenhunen  & Walter C. Oechel  & 

  2. Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1294, Lisbon, Portugal

    Fernando M. Catarino

  3. Lehrstuhl für Botanik II, der Universität Würzburg, Mittlerer Dallenbergweg 64, 8700, Würzburg, Germany

    Otto L. Lange

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Virginia, R.A., Jarrell, W.M. (1987). Approaches for studying the function of deep root systems. In: Tenhunen, J.D., Catarino, F.M., Lange, O.L., Oechel, W.C. (eds) Plant Response to Stress. NATO ASI Series, vol 15. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-70868-8_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-70868-8_6

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