According to the team, the innovation can help improve nutrient flow to improve root growth and nitrogen uptake.
The primary root of a germinating seed functions as an anchor for the plant, absorbing water and nutrients. This root must navigate a variety of soil conditions during its initial growth, which is critical for plant survival.
Nutrient supply, pH levels, soil composition, aeration and temperature have a significant influence on root development.
However, studying root dynamics has proven difficult due to the limitations of traditional experimental setups, which often require large containers and complex handling.
The team used microfluidics to study how primary roots absorb nutrients, offering insights into how to optimize nutrient delivery in agriculture. Their work was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board, Department of Science and Technology, and published in the journal Lab on a Chip.
The research focused on the high-yielding mustard variety, Pusa Jai Kisan, and examined how different nutrient fluxes affect root growth and nitrogen uptake.
The findings reveal that an optimal nutrient flow rate can improve root length and nutrient uptake, while excessive flow can stress the roots and reduce their growth.
The study highlights the importance of managed nutrient flow to promote plant growth.
"Our study provides new insights into plant root dynamics using microfluidic devices, offering practical implications for agriculture," said Pranab Kumar Mondal, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Guwahati.
The team plans to further explore the molecular mechanisms of flow-induced changes in root growth, with the goal of developing resilient hydroponic systems for soilless crop production.
The primary root of a germinating seed functions as an anchor for the plant, absorbing water and nutrients. This root must navigate a variety of soil conditions during its initial growth, which is critical for plant survival.
Nutrient supply, pH levels, soil composition, aeration and temperature have a significant influence on root development.
However, studying root dynamics has proven difficult due to the limitations of traditional experimental setups, which often require large containers and complex handling.
The team used microfluidics to study how primary roots absorb nutrients, offering insights into how to optimize nutrient delivery in agriculture. Their work was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board, Department of Science and Technology, and published in the journal Lab on a Chip.
The research focused on the high-yielding mustard variety, Pusa Jai Kisan, and examined how different nutrient fluxes affect root growth and nitrogen uptake.
The findings reveal that an optimal nutrient flow rate can improve root length and nutrient uptake, while excessive flow can stress the roots and reduce their growth.
The study highlights the importance of managed nutrient flow to promote plant growth.
"Our study provides new insights into plant root dynamics using microfluidic devices, offering practical implications for agriculture," said Pranab Kumar Mondal, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Guwahati.
The team plans to further explore the molecular mechanisms of flow-induced changes in root growth, with the goal of developing resilient hydroponic systems for soilless crop production.
