A Root Development Model Considering Potential Field

The development of plant root systems is closely related to soil water environment. On this account, simulations of root development in a two-dimensional potential field have been conducted to examine the morphology of root systems by applying the dielectric breakdown model (DBM). This model was adopted owing to the analogy between electric discharge and root patterns. The rootextension probability was evaluated by weighing the potential gradient to the η power. According to the probability, roots were generated step-by-step randomly. Root developments were investigated for the conditions of line and point sources. In both cases, as the value of η increased, root systems transformed from a cluster and dense type to a slender and sparse type, and the fractal dimension decreased. In the case of the point source, a pattern of root development toward the water source was definitely created. Conclusively, the DBM is effective in describing root extension behavior under various water conditions defined as a potential field.