A dynamic root system growth model based on L-Systems

作者：Leitner Daniel^*; Klepsch Sabine; Bodner Gernot; Schnepf Andrea

来源：Plant and Soil, 2010, 332(1-2): 177-192.

DOI：10.1007/s11104-010-0284-7

• Root system development
• Phosphate uptake
• Tropism
• L-System
• Mathematical modelling
• Sink term

Understanding the impact of roots and rhizosphere traits on plant resource efficiency is important, in particular in the light of upcoming shortages of mineral fertilizers and climate change with increasing frequency of droughts. We developed a modular approach to root growth and architecture modelling with a special focus on soil root interactions. The dynamic three-dimensional model is based on L-Systems, rewriting systems well-known in plant architecture modelling. We implemented the model in Matlab in a way that simplifies introducing new features as required. Different kinds of tropisms were implemented as stochastic processes that determine the position of the different roots in space. A simulation study was presented for phosphate uptake by a maize root system in a pot experiment. Different sink terms were derived from the root architecture, and the effects of gravitropism and chemotropism were demonstrated. This root system model is an open and flexible tool which can easily be coupled to different kinds of soil models.

• 出版日期2010-7