Comparison of Two Shoot--Root Partitioning Models with Respect to Substrate Utilization and Functional Balance

A transport resistance model for shoot—root partitioningby Thornley and a more aggregated partitioning model by Reynoldsand Thornley are compared. Three functional forms of substrateutilization are applied, corresponding to different assumptionson the ability of carbon and nitrogen to compensate one anotherin promoting structural growth. On the basis of simulationsat balanced exponential growth, it is shown that the Reynoldsand Thornley model (in optimal form) is embedded in the Thornleymodel. Davidson's functional balance is studied as a functionof the degree of carbon-nitrogen compensation. The applicabilityof the models and the utilization functions is discussed. Model, shoot-root partitioning, substrate utilization, functional balance