Water uptake by plants

Abstract

This chapter deals with the processes involved in water uptake by plants. Following a natural order, we first focus on describing water availability and water movement in the soil. Then we pay attention to water absorption through roots, describing how water moves from the soil into the root xylem, and then up to the leaves. Structures for water uptake, hydraulic characteristics of the conductive tissues and main physical aspects related to the water flow within the plant are considered. Once this picture has been completed, we move on to how water uptake can be determined, describing the latest advances in methodology for quantifying changes in soil water content around roots and water flows within the plant. Finally, we try to give a comprehensive picture on root morphology and function, describing main features of the hydraulic performance of roots, root growth, distribution and activity, and the influence of main environmental factors on the behavior of the root system