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Tribology of the root cap in maize (Zea mays) and peas (Pisum sativum)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 1999

A. G. BENGOUGH  and
J. M. KIRBY
A. G. BENGOUGH
Affiliation:
Soil–Plant Dynamics Unit, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK
J. M. KIRBY
Affiliation:
CSIRO Land and Water, Bruce Butler Building, GPO Box 1666, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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Abstract

Frictional resistance to a penetrating body can account for more than 80% of the total resistance to penetration of soil. We measured the frictional resistance between growing root caps of maize and pea and ground and smooth glass surfaces, which was linearly correlated to load, allowing calculation of the coefficient of kinetic friction and adhesion. Coefficients of kinetic friction between the root caps and the ground and smooth glass surfaces were approximately 0.04 and 0.02, respectively, the first measurements of the frictional properties of root tips at rates approaching those of root elongation, and an order of magnitude smaller than those previously reported. Results suggest that roots are well designed for penetrating soil, and encounter only small frictional resistance on the root cap. These data provide important parameters for modelling soil stresses and deformation around growing root tips.

Keywords

frictionmucilagepenetrometerPisum sativum (pea)root caproot penetrationZea mays (maize)
Type
Research Article
Information
The New Phytologist , Volume 142 , Issue 3 , June 1999 , pp. 421 - 425
Copyright
© Trustees of the New Phytologist 1999

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