Plant Root Systems. Their Function and Interaction with the Soil.

his book is concerned with the growth and function of the root systems of plants in the soil and is divided into 3 parts : physiological background (5 chapters); response to soil conditions (4 chapters); and tillage of the soil (2 chapters). The 1st part covers the physiological control of growth throughout the plant, the growth and form of roots, the absorption and transport of nutrients, water relations and root/rhizosphere flora interactions. The 2nd part covers the soil environment, mechanical impedance of root growth, effects of anaerobic soil conditions and the root/soil interface. The 3rd part covers traditional and modern methods of tillage and effects of reduced cultivation on soil conditions and crop growth. The book is aimed at 3rd yr undergraduates and research workers.ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT:The book is written for advanced students and research workers. Its first six chapters are concerned with root physiology (root/shoot relationships, growth substances, root growth and form, nutrient uptake and transport, water relations, and rhizosphere effects). The next four chapters deal with responses to soil conditions (physical and chemical environment, mechanical impedance, anaerobic conditions and the soil/root interface). The two concluding chapters are on tillage methods and reduced cultivation.ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT:The topics considered are: physiological relationships between roots and shoots; the growth and form of root systems; the absorption and transport of nutrients; the water relations of root systems; relationships between roots and the rhizosphere flora; the soil environment; mechanical impedance of root growth; effects of anaerobic soil conditions; the soil/root interface;traditional and modern methods of tillage; reduced cultivation, soil conditions and crop growth.