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Root Structure and Function Gradients in Salt Marshes
Salt marshes are unique ecosystems characterized by micro-heterogeneity in elevation, soil, tidal inundation, salinity, and oxygen availability. In these extreme conditions, plants are adapted to each zone, so root traits also vary. Root biomass, density, tissue type, and size of roots are adapted for each of the three prominent zones in salt marshes. Salt marshes… Continue reading…
Additional reading
How Does Canopy Cover in Deserts Impact Soil, Biodiversity, and Urban Climates?
Vegetation in deserts is patchy and acts as islands of resources. Plant canopy can increase soil fertility, moisture, and microbial diversity. The tree canopy has several benefits for urban settlements in deserts, such as reducing temperatures, air pollutants, and carbon emissions. Deserts make up 33% of terrestrial ecosystems and are present on nearly every continent. They… Continue reading…
The Root Report
We’re excited to share the latest edition of the Root Report — The guide to recent breakthroughs in root science and its real-world applications. This report compiles the latest research on how plant roots impact ecosystems, agricultural systems, and even methane emissions in peatlands. It also highlights innovative technologies, like in-situ root imaging tools, that… Continue reading…
What Is Transpiration Efficiency and Why Does It Matter for Drought-Resistant Farming?
Transpiration efficiency is emerging as a crucial crop parameter to improve production in water-limited conditions. Restricting transpiration by crops is a vital strategy to increase productivity using less water. External factors like VPD, soil type, and nutrient status are also necessary to increase transpiration efficiency. Society must figure out ways to grow more food for… Continue reading…
Five Ways To Increase Harvest Index
Improving the harvest index is crucial for economic and ecological reasons. The means to increase the harvest index can vary with the crops. Plant breeding is more critical for maize, while irrigation practices are vital for rice. Growth regulators that increase source activity and strengthen sinks are needed in pineapple, while growth retardants to limit… Continue reading…
Why is Riparian Canopy Cover important for Water Quality and Wildlife
Riparian zones are the transitional areas between water bodies and uplands. Riparian zones provide several ecosystem benefits, such as bank stabilization, water quality and temperature maintenance, lowered downstream flood risks, and wildlife habitat and food. Many of the riparian zone benefits depend on a healthy old-growth canopy cover. Canopy cover and shade of riparian zones… Continue reading…
Adapted Plant Traits in Riparian Zones
Riparian plants have anatomical and morphological adaptations that help them persist in the dynamic and variable conditions of the ecotone. Plant adaptations in the riparian ecotones occur in response to periodic flooding, anoxia, low luminosity, and unstable substrate. The adaptations can be in the shoot, leaves, and root systems. Adaptations vary based on life forms,… Continue reading…
