Tj. Bouma et al., Estimating age-dependent costs and benefits of roots with contrasting lifespan: comparing apples and oranges, NEW PHYTOL, 150(3), 2001, pp. 685-695
The relation between root age and root function is poorly understood, despi
te its importance to root longevity.
The effect of root age on respiration rates and P-32-uptake kinetics was de
termined for roots excavated from mature apple and citrus trees (median roo
t life spans of 30 vs 300 d). To evaluate whether root longevity maximizes
the efficiency of nutrient capture, daily and lifetime efficiencies were ca
lculated by dividing simulated P-uptake benefits (solute transport model) b
y age-specific respiration costs.
We found that respiration rates and P uptake capacity change with root age
in a species-specific way; and soil characteristics that determine the rate
of nutrient depletion in the rhizosphere are as important as changes in ro
ot physiology in determining the age at which a root reaches its maximum ef
ficiency.
Further testing of the efficiency of nutrient capture as a predictor of roo
t life span requires measurement of both soil properties and age-specific p
hysiology of roots including their mycorrhizal fungi.