Modeling Hydrotropism Using Chemical Engineering Principles:Investigation On A Multi-Branch Root System

In this paper,based on the previous theoretical basis,the time-dependent hydrotropism phenomena for multiple branch roots have been modeled using chemical engineering principles.The model has been developed to simulate the interactions between root growth,water and nutrient transport in the soil-root system.It includes four parts:(1)water transport model(2)nutrition transport model(3)a reaction-kinetics-type root growth model and(4)a unique root bending model.Based on the above model,four scenarios were explored by changing the shape of the root system and comparing the growth rates of different scenarios:(1)a single branch system,(2)a double branch system with one growing branch,(3)a double branch system with two growing branches,and(4)a double branch system with a free-moving main root.The results of simulation have demonstrated that the multi-branch roots exhibit interesting hydrotropism behavior that is different from the single root system.