ABSTRACT
A crop plant’s root structure is determined in part by its genotype, but the volume, density, surface area, and length of a plant’s root system are inŽuenced by the soil environment in which the plant grows (Chapter 8 of Agroecology: The Ecology of Sustainable Food Systems). Dense, compacted soil can restrict root penetration; a paucity (or a surplus) of nutrients can limit root growth. Ultimately, less-than-maximal root development can have a negative impact on crop production. By understanding how soil type affects the root response of different crop types, farmers can make better decisions about what crops to plant and how to alter soil conditions.
