Recent laboratory studies revealed that root hairs may alter soil physical behaviour, influencing soil porosity and water retention on the small scale. However, the results are not consistent, and it is not known if structural changes at the small-scale have impacts at larger scales. Therefore, we evaluated the potential effects of root hairs on soil hydro-mechanical properties in the field using rhizosphere-scale physical measurements.
MethodsChanges in soil water retention properties as well as mechanical and hydraulic characteristics were monitored in both silt loam and sandy loam soils. Measurements were taken from plant establishment to harvesting in field trials, comparing three barley genotypes representing distinct phenotypic categories in relation to root hair length. Soil hardness and elasticity were measured using a 3-mm-diameter spherical indenter, while water sorptivity and repellency were measured using a miniaturized infiltrometer with a 0.4-mm tip radius.
ResultsOver the growing season, plants induced changes in the soil water retention properties, with the plant available water increasing by 21%. Both soil hardness (P\uffe2\uff80\uff89=\uffe2\uff80\uff890.031) and elasticity (P\uffe2\uff80\uff89=\uffe2\uff80\uff890.048) decreased significantly in the presence of root hairs in silt loam soil, by 50% and 36%, respectively. Root hairs also led to significantly smaller water repellency (P\uffe2\uff80\uff89=\uffe2\uff80\uff890.007) in sandy loam soil vegetated with the hairy genotype (-49%) compared to the hairless mutant.
ConclusionsBreeding of cash crops for improved soil conditions could be achieved by selecting root phenotypes that ameliorate soil physical properties and therefore contribute to increased soil health.
", "keywords": ["/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1111", "0106 biological sciences", "Supplementary Data", "QH301 Biology", "/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1110", "Soil Science", "Rural and Environmental Science and Analytical Services (RESAS)", "Plant Science", "01 natural sciences", "630", "QH301", "BBSRC BB/L025825/1", "Barley", "Soil health", "Soil structure", "Root hairs", "Soil hydromechanical properties", "BB/L025620/1", "580", "2. Zero hunger", "name=Soil Science", "ERCDMR-646809", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "Soil water retention", "BBSRC BB/J00868/1", "6. Clean water", "Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "Other", "name=Plant Science", "Research Article"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/484590/2/s11104_022_05530_1.pdf"}, {"href": "https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11104-022-05530-1.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-022-05530-1"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Plant%20and%20Soil", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1007/s11104-022-05530-1", "name": "item", "description": "10.1007/s11104-022-05530-1", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1007/s11104-022-05530-1"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2022-06-11T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1007/s11104-019-04308-2", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-23T16:15:36Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2019-12-06", "title": "Significance of root hairs at the field scale \u2013 modelling root water and phosphorus uptake under different field conditions", "description": "Abstract Background and aimsRoot hairs play a significant role in phosphorus (P) extraction at the pore scale. However, their importance at the field scale remains poorly understood.
MethodsThis study uses a continuum model to explore the impact of root hairs on the large-scale uptake of P, comparing root hair influence under different agricultural scenarios. High vs low and constant vs decaying P concentrations down the soil profile are considered, along with early vs late precipitation scenarios.
ResultsSimulation results suggest root hairs accounted for 50% of total P uptake by plants. Furthermore, a delayed initiation time of precipitation potentially limits the P uptake rate by over 50% depending on the growth period. Despite the large differences in the uptake rate, changes in the soil P concentration in the domain due to root solute uptake remains marginal when considering a single growth season. However, over the duration of 6\uffc2\uffa0years, simulation results showed that noticeable differences arise over time.
ConclusionRoot hairs are critical to P capture, with uptake efficiency potentially enhanced by coordinating irrigation with P application during earlier growth stages of crops.
", "keywords": ["/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1111", "0106 biological sciences", "330", "550", "EP/M020355/1", "ERC 646809 DIMR", "QH301 Biology", "/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1110", "Soil Science", "A. B", "Field", "610", "Plant Science", "01 natural sciences", "NERC NE/L00237/1", "QH301", "Soil", "Plant roots", "Root hairs", "BBSRC SARIC BB/P004180/", "2. Zero hunger", "BBSRC SARISA BB/L025620/1. S. D.", "Mathematical modelling", "Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)", "name=Soil Science", "Water", "Phosphorus", "Regular Article", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "6. Clean water", "Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)", "Rhizosphere", "Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "name=Plant Science", "European Research Council"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/434043/1/Manuscript_No_Tracked_Changes.pdf"}, {"href": "http://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11104-019-04308-2.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-019-04308-2"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Plant%20and%20Soil", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1007/s11104-019-04308-2", "name": "item", "description": "10.1007/s11104-019-04308-2", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1007/s11104-019-04308-2"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2019-12-06T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1007/s11104-021-05133-2", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-23T16:15:37Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2021-09-12", "title": "In situ laser manipulation of root tissues in transparent soil", "description": "AbstractAimsLaser micromanipulation such as dissection or optical trapping enables remote physical modification of the activity of tissues, cells and organelles. To date, applications of laser manipulation to plant roots grown in soil have been limited. Here, we show laser manipulation can be applied in situ when plant roots are grown in transparent soil.
MethodsWe have developed a Q-switched laser manipulation and imaging instrument to perform controlled dissection of roots and to study light-induced root growth responses. We performed a detailed characterisation of the properties of the cutting beams through the soil, studying dissection and optical ablation. Furthermore, we also studied the use of low light doses to control the root elongation rate of lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa) in air, agar, gel and transparent soil.
ResultsWe show that whilst soil inhomogeneities affect the thickness and circularity of the beam, those distortions are not inherently limiting. The ability to induce changes in root elongation or complete dissection of microscopic regions of the root is robust to substrate heterogeneity and microscopy set up and is maintained following the limited distortions induced by the transparent soil environment.
ConclusionsOur findings show that controlled in situ laser dissection of root tissues is possible with a simple and low-cost optical set-up. We also show that, in the absence of dissection, a reduced laser light power density can provide reversible control of root growth, achieving a precise \uffe2\uff80\uff9cpoint and shoot\uffe2\uff80\uff9d method for root manipulation.
", "keywords": ["Transparent soil", "/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1111", "580", "0301 basic medicine", "570", "0303 health sciences", "Lactuca sativa", "name=Soil Science", "/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1110", "Regular Article", "15. Life on land", "Imaging", "Laser dissection", "03 medical and health sciences", "Root", "name=Plant Science"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11104-021-05133-2.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-021-05133-2"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Plant%20and%20Soil", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1007/s11104-021-05133-2", "name": "item", "description": "10.1007/s11104-021-05133-2", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1007/s11104-021-05133-2"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2021-09-12T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1007/s11104-023-06151-y", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-23T16:15:37Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2023-07-26", "title": "Smart soils track the formation of pH gradients across the rhizosphere", "description": "Abstract AimsOur understanding of the rhizosphere is limited by the lack of techniques for in situ live microscopy. Current techniques are either destructive or unsuitable for observing chemical changes within the pore space. To address this limitation, we have developed artificial substrates, termed smart soils, that enable the acquisition and 3D reconstruction of chemical sensors attached to soil particles.
MethodsThe transparency of smart soils was achieved using polymer particles with refractive index matching that of water. The surface of the particles was modified both to retain water and act as a local sensor to report on pore space pH via fluorescence emissions. Multispectral signals were acquired from the particles using a light sheet microscope, and machine learning algorithms predicted the changes and spatial distribution in pH at the surface of the smart soil particles.
ResultsThe technique was able to predict pH live and in situ within \uffc2\uffb1\uffe2\uff80\uff890.5 units of the true pH value. pH distribution could be reconstructed across a volume of several cubic centimetres around plant roots at 10\uffc2\uffa0\uffce\uffbcm resolution. Using smart soils of different composition, we revealed how root exudation and pore structure create variability in chemical properties.
ConclusionSmart soils captured the pH gradients forming around a growing plant root. Future developments of the technology could include the fine tuning of soil physicochemical properties, the addition of chemical sensors and improved data processing. Hence, this technology could play a critical role in advancing our understanding of complex rhizosphere processes.
", "keywords": ["/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1111", "light sheet microscopy", "0301 basic medicine", "570", "0303 health sciences", "name=Soil Science", "/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1110", "Sensing soil", "live imaging", "15. Life on land", "root", "530", "[SDE.BE] Environmental Sciences/Biodiversity and Ecology", "03 medical and health sciences", "Root", "13. Climate action", "Rhizosphere", "Light sheet microscopy", "name=Plant Science", "rhizosphere", "[SDV.SA.SDS] Life Sciences [q-bio]/Agricultural sciences/Soil study", "Live imaging"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-023-06151-y"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Plant%20and%20Soil", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1007/s11104-023-06151-y", "name": "item", "description": "10.1007/s11104-023-06151-y", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1007/s11104-023-06151-y"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2023-07-26T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.2136/sssaj2000.642754x", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-23T16:21:03Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2010-07-27", "title": "Response Of Surface Horizons In An Oak Forest To Prescribed Burning", "description": "The reduction of forest floor ground cover and litter layers by prescribed fires may alter the morphology (field and micro) and physical properties of surface horizons. This study determined long\uffe2\uff80\uff90term (35 yr) changes in surface horizon bulk density, organic matter concentration and content, and morphology in response to periodic (5 yr) and annual (1 yr) prescribed fires. Soils were fine\uffe2\uff80\uff90silty, siliceous, thermic Glossic Fragiuldults, supporting mixed oak vegetation in middle Tennessee. Upper mineral soils (0\uffe2\uff80\uff90 to 2\uffe2\uff80\uff90cm and 0\uffe2\uff80\uff90 to 7.6\uffe2\uff80\uff90cm depths) were sampled and detailed field descriptions made. Periodic and control plots had a thin layer of Oi, Oe, and Oa horizons 5 yr after the 1993 burn, whereas on annual burn plots a 1\uffe2\uff80\uff90 to 2\uffe2\uff80\uff90cm charred layer was present. Significant reductions in organic matter concentration and mean thickness of the A horizon were found from burning (A horizons thicknesses were 6.4, 4.6, and 2.9 cm in control, periodic, and annual plots, respectively). Periodic burns did not significantly alter the organic matter and bulk density of the upper 7.6 cm of mineral soil; however, annual burns did result in significantly higher bulk densities (1.01, 1.07, and 1.29 Mg m\uffe2\uff88\uff923 in control, periodic, and annual plots, respectively) and lower organic matter concentrations and contents. Microscopic investigations confirmed that compaction was increased from annual burning. Thin sections also revealed that the granular structure of the A horizons in control and periodic plots resulted from bioterbation of macro and mesofauna, fungi, and roots. Long\uffe2\uff80\uff90term annual burning greatly affected surface soil properties, whereas periodic burning on a 5\uffe2\uff80\uff90yr cycle had only limited effects.
", "keywords": ["/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1111", "name=Soil Science", "/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1900/1904", "name=Earth-Surface Processes", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Phillips, Debra, Foss, J.E., Buckner, E.R., Evans, R.M., FitzPatrick, E.A.,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2000.642754x"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Soil%20Science%20Society%20of%20America%20Journal", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.2136/sssaj2000.642754x", "name": "item", "description": "10.2136/sssaj2000.642754x", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.2136/sssaj2000.642754x"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2000-03-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.2136/vzj2017.04.0083", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-23T16:21:12Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2018-02-15", "title": "Rhizosphere\u2010Scale Quantification of Hydraulic and Mechanical Properties of Soil Impacted by Root and Seed Exudates", "description": "Core Ideas
We hypothesized that plant exudates gel soil particles and on drying enhance water repellency.
This has been carried out using rhizosphere\uffe2\uff80\uff90scale mechanical and hydraulic measurements.
Plant exudates enhanced soil hardness and modulus of elasticity as chia seed > maize root > barley root.
Plant exudates caused measureable decreases in soil wetting rates through water repellency.
Using rhizosphere\uffe2\uff80\uff90scale physical measurements, we tested the hypothesis that plant exudates gel together soil particles and, on drying, enhance soil water repellency. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Optic) and maize (Zea mays L. cv. Freya) root exudates were compared with chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed exudate, a commonly used root exudate analog. Sandy loam and clay loam soils were treated with root exudates at 0.46 and 4.6 mg exudate g\uffe2\uff88\uff921 dry soil and chia seed exudate at 0.046, 0.46, 0.92, 2.3 and 4.6 mg exudate g\uffe2\uff88\uff921 dry soil. Soil hardness and modulus of elasticity were measured at \uffe2\uff88\uff9210 kPa matric potential using a 3\uffe2\uff80\uff90mm\uffe2\uff80\uff90diameter spherical indenter. The water sorptivity and repellency index of air\uffe2\uff80\uff90dry soil were measured using a miniaturized infiltrometer device with a 1\uffe2\uff80\uff90mm tip radius. Soil hardness increased by 28% for barley root exudate, 62% for maize root exudate, and 86% for chia seed exudate at 4.6 mg g\uffe2\uff88\uff921 concentration in the sandy loam soil. For the clay loam soil, root exudates did not affect soil hardness, whereas chia seed exudate increased soil hardness by 48% at 4.6 mg g\uffe2\uff88\uff921 concentration. Soil water repellency increased by 48% for chia seed exudate and 23% for maize root exudate but not for barley root exudate at 4.6 mg g\uffe2\uff88\uff921 concentration in the sandy loam soil. For the clay loam soil, chia seed exudate increased water repellency by 45%, whereas root exudates did not affect water repellency at 4.6 mg g\uffe2\uff88\uff921 concentration. Water sorptivity and repellency were both correlated with hardness, presumably due to the combined influence of exudates on the hydrological and mechanical properties of the soils.
We hypothesized that plant exudates gel soil particles and on drying enhance water repellency.
This has been carried out using rhizosphere\uffe2\uff80\uff90scale mechanical and hydraulic measurements.
Plant exudates enhanced soil hardness and modulus of elasticity as chia seed > maize root > barley root.
Plant exudates caused measureable decreases in soil wetting rates through water repellency.
Using rhizosphere\uffe2\uff80\uff90scale physical measurements, we tested the hypothesis that plant exudates gel together soil particles and, on drying, enhance soil water repellency. Barley ( Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Optic) and maize ( Zea mays L. cv. Freya) root exudates were compared with chia ( Salvia hispanica L.) seed exudate, a commonly used root exudate analog. Sandy loam and clay loam soils were treated with root exudates at 0.46 and 4.6 mg exudate g \uffe2\uff88\uff921 dry soil and chia seed exudate at 0.046, 0.46, 0.92, 2.3 and 4.6 mg exudate g \uffe2\uff88\uff921 dry soil. Soil hardness and modulus of elasticity were measured at \uffe2\uff88\uff9210 kPa matric potential using a 3\uffe2\uff80\uff90mm\uffe2\uff80\uff90diameter spherical indenter. The water sorptivity and repellency index of air\uffe2\uff80\uff90dry soil were measured using a miniaturized infiltrometer device with a 1\uffe2\uff80\uff90mm tip radius. Soil hardness increased by 28% for barley root exudate, 62% for maize root exudate, and 86% for chia seed exudate at 4.6 mg g \uffe2\uff88\uff921 concentration in the sandy loam soil. For the clay loam soil, root exudates did not affect soil hardness, whereas chia seed exudate increased soil hardness by 48% at 4.6 mg g \uffe2\uff88\uff921 concentration. Soil water repellency increased by 48% for chia seed exudate and 23% for maize root exudate but not for barley root exudate at 4.6 mg g \uffe2\uff88\uff921 concentration in the sandy loam soil. For the clay loam soil, chia seed exudate increased water repellency by 45%, whereas root exudates did not affect water repellency at 4.6 mg g \uffe2\uff88\uff921 concentration. Water sorptivity and repellency were both correlated with hardness, presumably due to the combined influence of exudates on the hydrological and mechanical properties of the soils.
", "keywords": ["/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1111", "550", "EP/M020355/1", "seed exudate", "QH301 Biology", "551", "630", "QH301", "DIMR 646809", "GE1-350", "2. Zero hunger", "soil mechanical stability", "QE1-996.5", "BB/J000868/1", "Civil_env_eng", "name=Soil Science", "Root exudate", "Geology", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "6. Clean water", "Environmental sciences", "BB/J011460/1", "BB/L026058/1", "Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)", "rhizosphere-scale indenter and infiltrometer", "soil water repellency", "Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "European Research Council"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/4977/1/vzj-17-1-170083-1.pdf"}, {"href": "https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/415075/1/vzj2017.04.0083_1.pdf"}, {"href": "https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/415075/2/vzj_17_1_170083_1_.pdf"}, {"href": "https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.2136/vzj2017.04.0083"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/2164/10082"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Vadose%20Zone%20Journal", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "2164/10082", "name": "item", "description": "2164/10082", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/2164/10082"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2018-01-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "2164/11863", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-23T16:26:42Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2019-02-01", "title": "Surface tension, rheology and hydrophobicity of rhizodeposits and seed mucilage influence soil water retention and hysteresis", "description": "Rhizodeposits collected from hydroponic solutions with roots of maize and barley, and seed mucilage washed from chia, were added to soil to measure their impact on water retention and hysteresis in a sandy loam soil at a range of concentrations. We test the hypothesis that the effect of plant exudates and mucilages on hydraulic properties of soils depends on their physicochemical characteristics and origin.Surface tension and viscosity of the exudate solutions were measured using the Du No\u00fcy ring method and a cone-plate rheometer, respectively. The contact angle of water on exudate treated soil was measured with the sessile drop method. Water retention and hysteresis were measured by equilibrating soil samples, treated with exudates and mucilages at 0.46 and 4.6\u00a0mg\u00a0g-1 concentration, on dialysis tubing filled with polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution of known osmotic potential.Surface tension decreased and viscosity increased with increasing concentration of the exudates and mucilage in solutions. Change in surface tension and viscosity was greatest for chia seed exudate and least for barley root exudate. Contact angle increased with increasing maize root and chia seed exudate concentration in soil, but not barley root. Chia seed mucilage and maize root rhizodeposits enhanced soil water retention and increased hysteresis index, whereas barley root rhizodeposits decreased soil water retention and the hysteresis effect. The impact of exudates and mucilages on soil water retention almost ceased when approaching wilting point at -1500\u00a0kPa matric potential.Barley rhizodeposits behaved as surfactants, drying the rhizosphere at smaller suctions. Chia seed mucilage and maize root rhizodeposits behaved as hydrogels that hold more water in the rhizosphere, but with slower rewetting and greater hysteresis.", "keywords": ["DYNAMICS", "/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1111", "seed exudate", "FLOW", "QH301 Biology", "/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1110", "root exudate", "630", "QH301", "soil water retention", "ROOT", "surface tension", "DIMR 646809", "Contact angle", "contact angle", "PHOSPHOLIPID SURFACTANTS", "2. Zero hunger", "STABILITY", "BB/J000868/1", "Surface tension", "Civil_env_eng", "Viscosity", "Hysteresis", "name=Soil Science", "Root exudate", "RHIZOSPHERE HYDRAULIC-PROPERTIES", "EXUDATION", "Regular Article", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "540", "Soil water retention", "6. Clean water", "Seed exudate", "BB/J011460/1", "hysteresis", "BB/L026058/1", "viscosity", "Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "name=Plant Science", "MAIZE", "BB/P004180/1", "European Research Council"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/5787/1/Naveed2019_Article_SurfaceTensionRheologyAndHydro.pdf"}, {"href": "https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/428238/1/Naveed2019_Article_SurfaceTensionRheologyAndHydro.pdf"}, {"href": "http://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11104-019-03939-9.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/2164/11863"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Plant%20and%20Soil", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "2164/11863", "name": "item", "description": "2164/11863", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/2164/11863"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2019-02-02T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "2164/13582", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-23T16:26:42Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2019-12-06", "title": "Significance of root hairs at the field scale \u2013 modelling root water and phosphorus uptake under different field conditions", "description": "Abstract Background and aimsRoot hairs play a significant role in phosphorus (P) extraction at the pore scale. However, their importance at the field scale remains poorly understood.
MethodsThis study uses a continuum model to explore the impact of root hairs on the large-scale uptake of P, comparing root hair influence under different agricultural scenarios. High vs low and constant vs decaying P concentrations down the soil profile are considered, along with early vs late precipitation scenarios.
ResultsSimulation results suggest root hairs accounted for 50% of total P uptake by plants. Furthermore, a delayed initiation time of precipitation potentially limits the P uptake rate by over 50% depending on the growth period. Despite the large differences in the uptake rate, changes in the soil P concentration in the domain due to root solute uptake remains marginal when considering a single growth season. However, over the duration of 6\uffc2\uffa0years, simulation results showed that noticeable differences arise over time.
ConclusionRoot hairs are critical to P capture, with uptake efficiency potentially enhanced by coordinating irrigation with P application during earlier growth stages of crops.
", "keywords": ["/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1111", "0106 biological sciences", "330", "550", "EP/M020355/1", "ERC 646809 DIMR", "QH301 Biology", "/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1110", "Soil Science", "A. B", "Field", "610", "Plant Science", "01 natural sciences", "NERC NE/L00237/1", "QH301", "Soil", "Plant roots", "Root hairs", "BBSRC SARIC BB/P004180/", "2. Zero hunger", "BBSRC SARISA BB/L025620/1. S. D.", "Mathematical modelling", "Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)", "name=Soil Science", "Water", "Phosphorus", "Regular Article", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "6. Clean water", "Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)", "Rhizosphere", "Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "name=Plant Science", "European Research Council"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/434043/1/Manuscript_No_Tracked_Changes.pdf"}, {"href": "http://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11104-019-04308-2.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/2164/13582"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Plant%20and%20Soil", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "2164/13582", "name": "item", "description": "2164/13582", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/2164/13582"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2019-12-06T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "2164/19751", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-23T16:26:42Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2022-06-11", "title": "Impact of root hairs on microscale soil physical properties in the field", "description": "Abstract AimsRecent laboratory studies revealed that root hairs may alter soil physical behaviour, influencing soil porosity and water retention on the small scale. However, the results are not consistent, and it is not known if structural changes at the small-scale have impacts at larger scales. Therefore, we evaluated the potential effects of root hairs on soil hydro-mechanical properties in the field using rhizosphere-scale physical measurements.
MethodsChanges in soil water retention properties as well as mechanical and hydraulic characteristics were monitored in both silt loam and sandy loam soils. Measurements were taken from plant establishment to harvesting in field trials, comparing three barley genotypes representing distinct phenotypic categories in relation to root hair length. Soil hardness and elasticity were measured using a 3-mm-diameter spherical indenter, while water sorptivity and repellency were measured using a miniaturized infiltrometer with a 0.4-mm tip radius.
ResultsOver the growing season, plants induced changes in the soil water retention properties, with the plant available water increasing by 21%. Both soil hardness (P\uffe2\uff80\uff89=\uffe2\uff80\uff890.031) and elasticity (P\uffe2\uff80\uff89=\uffe2\uff80\uff890.048) decreased significantly in the presence of root hairs in silt loam soil, by 50% and 36%, respectively. Root hairs also led to significantly smaller water repellency (P\uffe2\uff80\uff89=\uffe2\uff80\uff890.007) in sandy loam soil vegetated with the hairy genotype (-49%) compared to the hairless mutant.
ConclusionsBreeding of cash crops for improved soil conditions could be achieved by selecting root phenotypes that ameliorate soil physical properties and therefore contribute to increased soil health.
", "keywords": ["/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1111", "0106 biological sciences", "Supplementary Data", "QH301 Biology", "/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1110", "Soil Science", "Rural and Environmental Science and Analytical Services (RESAS)", "Plant Science", "01 natural sciences", "630", "QH301", "BBSRC BB/L025825/1", "Barley", "Soil health", "Soil structure", "Root hairs", "Soil hydromechanical properties", "BB/L025620/1", "580", "2. Zero hunger", "name=Soil Science", "ERCDMR-646809", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "Soil water retention", "BBSRC BB/J00868/1", "6. Clean water", "Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "Other", "name=Plant Science", "Research Article"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/484590/2/s11104_022_05530_1.pdf"}, {"href": "https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11104-022-05530-1.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/2164/19751"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Plant%20and%20Soil", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "2164/19751", "name": "item", "description": "2164/19751", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/2164/19751"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2022-06-11T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "3199712585", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-06-23T16:27:24Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2021-09-12", "title": "In situ laser manipulation of root tissues in transparent soil", "description": "AbstractAimsLaser micromanipulation such as dissection or optical trapping enables remote physical modification of the activity of tissues, cells and organelles. To date, applications of laser manipulation to plant roots grown in soil have been limited. Here, we show laser manipulation can be applied in situ when plant roots are grown in transparent soil.
MethodsWe have developed a Q-switched laser manipulation and imaging instrument to perform controlled dissection of roots and to study light-induced root growth responses. We performed a detailed characterisation of the properties of the cutting beams through the soil, studying dissection and optical ablation. Furthermore, we also studied the use of low light doses to control the root elongation rate of lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa) in air, agar, gel and transparent soil.
ResultsWe show that whilst soil inhomogeneities affect the thickness and circularity of the beam, those distortions are not inherently limiting. The ability to induce changes in root elongation or complete dissection of microscopic regions of the root is robust to substrate heterogeneity and microscopy set up and is maintained following the limited distortions induced by the transparent soil environment.
ConclusionsOur findings show that controlled in situ laser dissection of root tissues is possible with a simple and low-cost optical set-up. We also show that, in the absence of dissection, a reduced laser light power density can provide reversible control of root growth, achieving a precise \uffe2\uff80\uff9cpoint and shoot\uffe2\uff80\uff9d method for root manipulation.Laser micromanipulation such as dissection or optical trapping enables remote physical modification of the activity of tissues, cells and organelles. To date, applications of laser manipulation to plant roots grown in soil have been limited. Here, we show laser manipulation can be applied in situ when plant roots are grown in transparent soil.
MethodsWe have developed a Q-switched laser manipulation and imaging instrument to perform controlled dissection of roots and to study light-induced root growth responses. We performed a detailed characterisation of the properties of the cutting beams through the soil, studying dissection and optical ablation. Furthermore, we also studied the use of low light doses to control the root elongation rate of lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa) in air, agar, gel and transparent soil.
ResultsWe show that whilst soil inhomogeneities affect the thickness and circularity of the beam, those distortions are not inherently limiting. The ability to induce changes in root elongation or complete dissection of microscopic regions of the root is robust to substrate heterogeneity and microscopy set up and is maintained following the limited distortions induced by the transparent soil environment.
ConclusionsOur findings show that controlled in situ laser dissection of root tissues is possible with a simple and low-cost optical set-up. We also show that, in the absence of dissection, a reduced laser light power density can provide reversible control of root growth, achieving a precise \uffe2\uff80\uff9cpoint and shoot\uffe2\uff80\uff9d method for root manipulation.