Summary
The theoretical treatment of diffusion of solutes to a number of parallel, competing roots is difficult, but an electrical analog has been constructed which allows solute uptake by such a system to be simulated easily and rapidly. The construction, theory and operation of the analog are described. Differences in diffusion coefficients, dimensions, root size and uptake properties can all be dealt with. Approximate methods are available for simulating mass flow with diffusion, slow release of nutrients in the soil, the presence of root hairs, and incomplete root-soil contact.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Beckett, P. H. T., Residual potassium and magnesium. Proc. Conf. NAAS on Residual value of applied nutrients. (In press).
Bouldin, D. R., Mathematical description of diffusion processes in the plant-soil system. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc.25, 476–480 (1961).
Carslaw, H. S. and Jaeger, J. C., Conduction of Heat in Solids. Oxford University Press, (1959).
Cowan, I. R., Transport of water in the soil-plant-atmosphere system. J. Applied Ecol.2, 221–239 (1965).
Drew, M. C., Vaidyanathan, L. V. and Nye, P. H., The supply of nutrient ions by diffusion to plant roots in soil. I — Absorption of potassium by cylindrical roots of onion and leek. Plant and Soil30, 252–270 (1969).
Gardner, W. R., Nutrient transport to plant roots. Trans. 9th Intern. Congr. Soil Sci. Adelaide1, 135–142 (1946).
Karplus, W. J., Analog Simulation, Solution of Field Problems. McGraw-Hill (1958).
Kautsky, J., Barley, K. P. and Fiddaman, D. K., Ion uptake from soils by plant roots, subject to the Epstein-Hagen relation. Australian J. Soil Research6, 159–167 (1968).
Lewis, D. G. and Quirk, J. P., Phosphate diffusion in soil and uptake by plants. IV — Computed uptake by model roots as a result of diffusive flow. Plant and Soil26, 454–468 (1967).
Liebman, G., Solution of partial differential equations with resistance network analogues. Brit. J. Applied Phys.1, 92–203 (1950).
Nye, P. H., The effect of the nutrient intensity and buffering power of a soil, and the absorbing power, size, and root hairs of a root, on nutrient absorption by diffusion. Plant and Soil25, 81–105 (1966).
Nye, P. H. and Marriott, F. H. C., A theoretical study of substances around roots resulting from simultaneous diffusion and mass flow. Plant and Soil30, 459–472 (1969).
Nye, P. H. and Tinker, P. B., The concept of a root demand coefficient. J. Applied Ecol.6, 293–300 (1969).
Olsen, S. R., Kemper, W. D. and Jackson, R. D., Phosphate diffusion to plant roots. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc.26, 222–227 (1962).
Passioura, J. B., A mathematical model for the uptake of ions from the soil solution. Plant and Soil18, 225–238 (1963).
Youngs, E. G. and Gardner, W. R., A problem of diffusion in the infinite hollow cylinder. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc.27, 475–476 (1963).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sanders, F.E., Tinker, P.B. & Nye, P.H. Uptake of solutes by multiple root systems from soil. Plant Soil 34, 453–466 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01372798
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01372798