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Root Ecology pp 1–31Cite as

Constraints on the Form and Function of Root Systems

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Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 168))

Abstract

This chapter sets the scene for many of the topics covered in detail later in this volume. We discuss first the basic problems that plants face when growing on land. These problems reflect the many physical, chemical and biological constraints that soil imposes on the functioning of roots in terms of growth and resource capture.

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Authors
  1. D. Robinson
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  2. A. Hodge
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  3. A. Fitter
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Experimental Plant Ecology, Department of Ecology, University of Nijmegen, Toernooiveld, 6525 ED, Nijmegen, The Nederlands

    Hans de Kroon  & Eric J. W. Visser  & 

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Robinson, D., Hodge, A., Fitter, A. (2003). Constraints on the Form and Function of Root Systems. In: de Kroon, H., Visser, E.J.W. (eds) Root Ecology. Ecological Studies, vol 168. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-09784-7_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-09784-7_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-05520-1

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