Root Methods: A Handbook

By S.C. van de Geijn, A.G. Bengough, C. Engels, et al.

Book Overview

Why a New Handbook on Root Methods? Uptake of water and nutrients is a key process in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Plant roots play a vital role in the supply of resources for growth, and yet we have a relatively poor understanding of how they function in the natural soil environment. Dr. B6hm began the Preface of his standard text on root research methods (B6hm 1979) with the comment: "Root research under natural jield conditions is a step-child of science. The reason for this is primarily methodological. The known methods are tedious, time-consuming and the accuracy of their results is of ten not very great". Although improvements have been made recently for some methods, working on roots is stiH tedious and time-consuming. Compared to some other disci- plines, a root researcher requires a considerable budget for his or her work. It is for this reason that in root research careful planning, the choice of appro- priate methods and also a clear idea of which root characteristic should be observed in relation to the goal of the research question are fundamental. Con- sequently, it is recommended to make use of "root experience" developed else- where as much as possible.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3540667288
• ISBN13: 9783540667285
• Release Date: July 2000
• Publisher: Springer
• Length: 594 Pages
• Weight: 2.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.1" x 9.2"