Effects of Coupled Solute and Water Flow in Plant Roots with Special Reference to Brouwer's Experiment

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Abstract
This paper presents a further examination of the effects of coupled solute and water flow as it applies to plant roots. A cylindrical two-compartment membrane root model can account for many diverse root phenomena. Among these are (1) non-linear pressure flow, (2) interval osmotic dilution, (3) negative resistance effects, (4) non-osmotic water flux, and (5) the internal osmotic compensation effect. In addition, we have now demonstrated that the same model is capable of reproducing the complex patterns of root resistance profile change noted by some workers. In none of these instances is there need to invoke any change in the hydraulic conductivity of the system to explain the observed effects. The only features necessary to explain these phenomena are a membrane-like structure and a mechanism for actively accumulating solutes.

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