The role of soil resistance in determining water uptake by plant root systems

Abstract

Resistance to water flow in plant roots has been suggested as a significant factor limiting water uptake by plants. The results of previous experiments have been used to show that soil resistance may be more significant than has recently been suggested, particularly in soils of low hydraulic conductivity and where root density is low. As the technique used to determine soil resistance relies on hydraulic conductivity, the latter may be more appropriate as an indicator of water stress than soil water potential.