Towards an improved representation of the relationship between root traits and nitrogen losses in process-based models

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Liu, R-H., Grant, B. B., Smith, W. N., Porter, C. H., Cammarano, D., Vogeler, I., Hoogenboom, G., Pullens, J. W., Olesen, J. E., Bindi, M., Semenov, M. A., Abrahamsen, P., Rotter, R. P., Kumar, U. and Abalos, D. 2025. Towards an improved representation of the relationship between root traits and nitrogen losses in process-based models. Agricultural Systems. 228, p. 104400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104400

AuthorsLiu, R-H., Grant, B. B., Smith, W. N., Porter, C. H., Cammarano, D., Vogeler, I., Hoogenboom, G., Pullens, J. W., Olesen, J. E., Bindi, M., Semenov, M. A., Abrahamsen, P., Rotter, R. P., Kumar, U. and Abalos, D.
Abstract

CONTEXT: Nitrogen (N) application to crops is crucial to feed an increasing world population. Yet, much of this N
is not taken up by crops, initiating a cascade of N losses with dire environmental and economic consequences.
There is, therefore, a need to develop crops with traits that make them use N more efficiently, thereby reducing N
losses. Process-based models have been used to design in-silico crops with desirable traits to maximize yield and
increase climate resiliency, but few have been used with the perspective of reducing N losses.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the way process-based models capture interactions between root traits and N losses, and
propose opportunities to improve model representation of observed relationships.
METHODS:
We synthesize the current knowledge on the relationships between plant traits and N losses based on experiments reported in the literature, conduct a survey of process-based models simulating crop growth and N losses, and run a sensitivity analysis with selected models (DSSAT, APSIM, DNDCvCAN, Daisy).
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The results show that the relationships between root traits and N losses can be very strong in experiments, but model simulations do not capture the magnitude of these associations well. This is mainly due to the lack of a robust representation of the plant root mechanisms influencing N losses. Suggested model improvements include designing new functions to link root traits with key N-cycling processes supported by experimental evidence – such as root exudation of various compounds including biological nitrification in
hibitors – and using easily observable morphological traits in process-based models as proxies to predict changes induced by plants on N-cycling by soil microbial communities.
SIGNIFICANCE:
This work represents a key step towards designing novel root function-based ideotypes adapted to reduced fertilizer inputs while maintaining the same level of yield, and that is, therefore, potentially less harmful to the environment.

KeywordsRoot characteristics; N2O emissions; Nitrate leaching; Nitrogen pollution; Crop ideotype
Year of Publication2025
JournalAgricultural Systems
Journal citation228, p. 104400
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104400
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
FunderBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Funder project or codeDelivering Sustainable Wheat
Publisher's version
Accepted author manuscript
Supplemental file
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online28 May 2025
Publication process dates
Accepted23 May 2025
PublisherElsevier
ISSN0308-521X

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