Determination of Hydraulic and Osmotic Properties of Soybean Root Systems

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Abstract
An analytical technique which allows the experimental determination of soybean (Glycine max L.) root properties is presented. Two major problems hamper the interpretation of experimental data. These are the influence of a possible boundary layer which raises the effective value of .pi.o [root medium osmotic pressure] above that of the bulk solution and the difficulty of obtaining an adequate measure of the internal osmotic pressure except at high values of volume flow rate due primarily to possible exchanges of solutes between the xylem and adjacent tissues. Consideration of these 2 problems leads to an interpretation of previous models which is reconcilable with the criticisms of Newman. In these experiments, estimates of hydraulic conductivity and reflection coefficient are based on high flow rate data where the osmotic effects are minimized. Because of the difficulties attached to the evaluation of .pi.i [xylem osmotic pressure], at low and moderate flow rates, any technique for evaluating root parameters which depends on knowledge of when the osmotic pressure difference (in bars) is zero will be subject to large errors, at least until both problems are adequately resolved. Another problem which must be dealt with in terminal root segments is the effect of a standing osmotic gradient. This is probably not a serious problem in a complex root system. Transpiration rates are calculated on the basis of leaf and root surface areas and experimentally determined root volume flow. Apparently root flow rates necessary to sustain high transpiration rates in the shoots are easily accommodated by the model at moderate levels of applied pressure difference.