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Rice increases phosphorus uptake in strongly sorbing soils by intra-root facilitation
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  • Christian W. Kuppe,
  • Guy J. D. Kirk,
  • Matthias Wissuwa,
  • Johannes A. Postma
Christian W. Kuppe
RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Bio-and Geosciences -Plant Sciences (IBG-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Corresponding Author:c.kuppe@fz-juelich.de

Author Profile
Guy J. D. Kirk
School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield University
Matthias Wissuwa
Crop, Livestock and Environment Division, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences
Johannes A. Postma
Institute of Bio-and Geosciences -Plant Sciences (IBG-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Abstract

Upland rice (Oryza sativa) is adapted to strongly phosphorus (P) sorbing soils. The mechanisms underlying P acquisition, however, are not well understood, and models typically underestimate uptake. This complicates root ideotype development and trait-based selection for further improvement. We present a novel model, which correctly simulates the P uptake by a P-efficient rice genotype measured over 48 days of growth. The model represents root morphology at the local rhizosphere scale, including root hairs and fine S-type laterals. It simulates fast-and slowly reacting soil P and the P-solubilizing effect of root-induced pH changes in the soil. Simulations predict that the zone of pH changes and P solubilization around a root spreads further into the soil than the zone of P depletion. A root needs to place laterals outside its depletion-but inside its solubilization zone to maximize P uptake. S-type laterals, which are short but hairy, appear to be the key root structures to achieve that. Thus, thicker roots facilitate the P uptake by fine lateral roots. Uptake can be enhanced through longer root hairs and greater root length density but was less sensitive to total root length and root class proportions.
29 Nov 2021Submitted to Plant, Cell & Environment
Mar 2022Published in Plant, Cell & Environment volume 45 issue 3 on pages 884-899. 10.1111/pce.14285