A Shoot:Root Partitioning Model

A model for partitioning newly-synthesized structural dry matterbetween shoot and root is developed. It is based on a postulatedpartitioning function, which depends upon the relative levelsof carbon and nitrogen substrates, with parameters determiningthe control point and also the degree of control. The modelis used to investigate the relationships between plant specificgrowth rate, shoot:root ratio, and the specific activities ofshoot and root (which depend upon environment), during steady-stateexponential growth; the transient behaviour of the model isalso explored and oscillations in these quantities are obtained. Shoot:root ratio, specific growth rate, mathematical model, partition of assimilates