Abstract
Introduction
In a recent paper, Warren et al. (2013) illustrated the potential of neutron radiography to visualize water dynamics in soil and plants.
Methods
After injection of deuterated water (D2O) in soil, the authors could monitor the changes of D2O concentration in roots.
Results
Based on the radiographs, the authors concluded that D2O was transported from roots growing in a wet soil region to roots in a dry region, proving hydraulic redistribution between roots. However, this interpretation depends on the correct estimation of D2O concentration in soil.
Conclusions
The experiments of Warren et al. (2013) could also be explained by diffusion of D2O from soil to roots, without hydraulic redistribution within the root system.
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References
Brodersen CR (2013) Visualizing water transport in roots: advanced imaging tools for an expanding field. Plant Soil. doi:10.1007/s11104-013-1657-5
Carminati A, Moradi AB, Vetterlein D, Vontobel P, Lehmann E, Weller U, Vogel HJ, Oswald SE (2010) Dynamics of soil water content in the rhizosphere. Plant Soil 332:163–176
Warren JM, Bilheux H, Kang M, Voisin S, Cheng C, Horita J, Perfect E (2013) Neutron imaging reveals internal plant water dynamics. Plant Soil. doi:10.1007/s11104-012-1579-7
Zarebanadkouki M, Kim Y, Moradi A, Vogel HJ, Kaestner A, Carminati A (2012) Quantification and modeling of local root water uptake using neutron radiography and deuterated water. Vadose Zone J. 11 doi:10.2136/vzj2011.0196
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Responsible Editor: Rafael S. Oliveira.
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Carminati, A., Zarebanadkouki, M. Comment on: “neutron imaging reveals internal plant water dynamics”. Plant Soil 369, 25–27 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-1780-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-1780-3