A Model of the Partitioning of Growth between the Shoots and Roots of Vegetative Plants

A model of the partitioning of new growth between the shootsand roots of vegetative plants is presented. There are two partitioningfunctions, involving one partitioning parameter, which describethe priorities for new growth in both the shoots and roots.The dynamic responses, to changes in the environment and toshoot defoliation, of shoot and root specific growth rates,shoot: root ratio, and carbon and nitrogen substrate levels,are examined; realistic behaviour is observed. Balanced exponentialgrowth solutions are also examined and it is concluded thatrelationships between some derived plant growth quantities maybe non-unique, thus emphasizing the need for a critical understandingof the underlying physiological processes involved in plantgrowth. Mathematical model, partitioning of assimilates, shoot: root ratio, specific growth rate, carbon and nitrogen substrate levels