ARS | Publication request: PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF INCOMPLETE ROOTZONE WETTING ON PLANT GROWTH AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT

Submitted to: American Society for Horticultural Science
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: October 18, 1999
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The application of water to a portion of the plant-root-system often results in localized root proliferation in the wetted region. Increased root growth in wetted regions allows the root systems to more completely deplete the nutrients and water in the wetted zone, and potentially increase root hormone production. However, compared to fully irrigating the rootzone, nutrient and water uptake and growth are often reduced by incomplete rootzone wetting. Mechanisms of reduced growth are related to nutrient depletion, and hydraulic and non-hydraulic root signals. Irrigation system design and scheduling can utilize incomplete rootzone wetting to improve plant productivity.