An image based water uptake model applied to simulate water uptake by plant roots

摘要

This paper presents a new root density based approach to modelling water uptake by plants. In particular, the proposed image-based approach avoids imposition of an artificial root zone geometry that is common in alternative methods. It therefore offers the potential to include natural root morphology within the modelling process. The model is applied to predict soil water content variation in relation to a field of winter wheat. Using a one-dimensional approach, the model was found to be capable of representing field conditions typically within +/- 5% of measured moisture content data. In conclusion, the new model is thought to provide a useful departure from previous models that impose artificial root geometry. However, it is recognized that the ultimate success of this approach is dependent on the quality of available root image data and this is clearly an area that would benefit from further research. The approach is currently being explored within the context of slope stability analysis.