Plants are able to modify their root hydraulics to maintain water status and strategically use soil water, according to a new study published today in the New Phytologist. When soils are drying, plants can decrease water use from topsoil while boosting uptake at greater depths. Conversely, when topsoil is rewetted, the plants can instantly rearrange their water uptake to be more energy efficient by making maximum use of water near the surface and reducing uptake lower down. Plants are able to modify their root hydraulics to maintain water status and strategically use soil water, according to a new study published today in the New Phytologist. When soils are drying, plants can decrease water use from topsoil while boosting uptake at greater depths. Conversely, when topsoil is rewetted, the plants can instantly rearrange their water uptake to be more energy efficient by making maximum use of water near the surface and reducing uptake lower down. Plants & Animals Agriculture Phys.org – latest science and technology news stories
‘Smart’ roots modify hydraulics to make strategic use of water, field study confirms
