The Oxidising Activity of Roots in Waterlogged Soils

Root oxidising activity has been studied quantitatively in two species, Menyanthes trifoliata and Molinia coerulea, using a non-specific dye technique, and an oxygen-specific “polarographic” technique in conjunction with artificial roots constructed from silicone rubber tubing. Oxidising activity in these two species has been found to be up to nine times greater than can be accounted for by oxygen diffusing from the roots. Enzymatic oxidation is thought to be the cause of such high oxidising activity. The characteristic patterns of iron oxidation found on and around roots are discussed, and oxidation of iron at the rhizophere ‘boundary’ is illustrated. Earlier work on root oxidising activity is briefly reviewed.