XVI International Botanical Congess
Root proliferations in nitrogen-rich patches are considered to maximize N uptake. However, nitrate mobility nullifies the effect of proliferation on uptake. Many experiments show only a weak relation between uptake and proliferation. Proliferation can occur after N capture. So: Why do plants bother to proliferate roots in N-rich patches? N capture is associated with proliferation when the patch comprises mixed N sources, N supply is finite, and plants with different proliferation capacities compete. Removing any of these obscures the significance of proliferation for N capture. We conclude that proliferation can be important in N-limited, mixed communities, has a limited impact on uptake by monocultures, and its effects are context-dependent.