Enhancing Understanding and Quantification of Soil-Root Growth Interactions

Research progress in soil–root growth interactions has been slow due to the relative inaccessibility of roots in their natural environment and because root research cuts across the boundaries of soil science, ecology, crop science, and plant physiology, among others. Enhancing Understanding and Quantification of Soil–Root Growth Interactions takes on this challenge to solve society's growing problems in the conservation of quality water and soil resources. Researchers must come together and leverage our understanding of the rhizosphere to maximize efficient, sustainable use of limited water and soil nutrient resources. This is a serious calling—from addressing the critical needs in nations who cannot afford costly fertilizers, to the global challenge of enhancing soil carbon storage to reduce climate change effects of elevated carbon dioxide. This book brings together scientists from different disciplines, worldwide, together to encourage synthesis of transdisciplinary knowledge and further research and developments in the area of root–soil interactions.

Dennis Timlin is a Research Soil Scientist at the USDA-ARS in Beltsville, MD.

Dr. Laj Ahuja is a retired soil scientist at USDA in Fort Collins, CO.