Chapter 4

Linking Root System Architecture to Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Agricultural Systems: Mechanisms, Phenotyping Approaches, Quantitative Evidence, and Breeding Perspectives

• Darshan S (AC and RI Coimbatore, TNAU Coimbatore, India)
• Akilesh S (AC and RI Coimbatore, TNAU Coimbatore, India)

In

Advances in Interdisciplinary Research in Engineering, Business Management and Social Sciences

ISBN

978-81-963834-1-1

Published

10 July 2026

Accesses

7 views · 1 downloads

Abstract

Root system architecture (RSA) is a three-dimensional spatial configuration of the hidden half of the plant. It is the principal determinant of the resource uptake of a crop and thus directly influences water use efficiency (WUE) and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of crops. Global agriculture is facing constant pressure from factors like rapidly rising populations, highly unpredictable climatic changes, and the need for sustainable use of resources. Optimizing RSA traits is a highly reliable pathway to overcome these challenges. This review critically synthesizes mechanistic, experimental, and quantitative genetic evidence linking key RSA traits which include root depth, axial root angle, root length density, lateral root branching, root hair morphology, and root cortical anatomy to WUE and NUE across major crop species including wheat, rice, maize, soybean, chickpea, and sorghum. Root phenotyping technologies are evaluated for resolution and field applicability. Artificial intelligence-based image analysis platforms are assessed using published performance benchmarks. Major genes and QTLs controlling RSA are catalogued with phenotypic effect sizes based on the results obtained by several research conclusions. Persistent knowledge gaps including limitations over subsoil phenotyping, deficits in field validation, and genotype-environment interactions are identified, and priority research directions for translating mechanistic insights into variety improvement are proposed. Studying the RSA of the crops ensures a better sustainable approach to agricultural production and management strategies. Keywords: Root System Architecture; Water Use Efficiency; Nutrient Use Efficiency; Root Phenotyping; Root Genetics

Keywords: Root System Architecture, Water Use Efficiency, Nutrient Use Efficiency, Root Phenotyping, Root Genetics