A mechanical theory of competition between plant root growth and soil pressure reveals a potential mechanism of root penetration

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 13; no. 1; pp. 7473 - 12
• Main Authors: Tomobe, Haruka, Tsugawa, Satoru, Yoshida, Yuki, Arita, Tetsuya, Tsai, Allen Yi-Lun, Kubo, Minoru, Demura, Taku, Sawa, Shinichiro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 09.05.2023; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 631/57; 631/57/2266; Anisotropy; Competition; Earth pressure; Finite Element Analysis; Finite element method; Growth stage; Humanities and Social Sciences; Mechanical properties; multidisciplinary; Plant growth; Plant Roots; Rheology; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Soil; Soils

Root penetration into the soil is essential for plants to access water and nutrients, as well as to mechanically support aboveground structures. This requires a combination of healthy plant growth, adequate soil mechanical properties, and compatible plant–soil interactions. Despite the current knowl...