Crown roots dominate nitrate uptake in maize ( Zea mays L.) under varying soil moisture conditions

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ID: 320097
2026
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nitrate (NO3-) uptake is primarily driven by soil water flow and varies among maize root types. This study quantified NO3- uptake by embryonic (primary and seminal) and crown roots under contrasting soil water conditions to determine their relative contributions to total plant N acquisition during early vegetative growth. METHODS: Maize was grown in a split-root pot that segregated the embryonic and crown roots. The sandy-loam soil was moistened to water potentials of either -5 kPa (wet) or -30 kPa (relatively dry). A partial N mass balance was made by destructively sampling shoots, roots, and soils after 0, 24, and 48 h following 15N-KNO3 injection at the V3 (three-leaf) and V6 (six-leaf) stages. Root hydraulic conductance was quantified using an osmotic-driven root exudation method. Gross nitrification was assessed using a 15N isotope dilution technique. KEY RESULTS: At the V3 stage, crown roots had 202% more N uptake than embryonic roots in wet soil (-5 kPa). However, in relatively dry soil (-30 kPa), N uptake was similar for embryonic and crown roots, and crown root hydraulic conductance was 80% lower than in wet soil. By the V6 stage, crown roots dominated N uptake, with embryonic roots supplying < 20% of N uptake. Gross nitrification rates did not differ significantly between root types. CONCLUSIONS: Maize NO3- uptake depends primarily on the crown roots, due to their capacity to extract water and NO3- from soil, even under dry conditions.
Reference Key
openalex_W7167589294 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Yutong Jiang, Joann K. Whalen
Journal Annals of botany
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/aob/mcag197
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcag197
Keywords Keywords not found

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