Experimental quantification of dynamotropism and hydropatterning plant root responses

The adaptation of root architecture to streamflow variability is poorly understood, hindering predictions of soil reinforcement, plant uprooting, and development of riparian vegetation and bank erosion models. Environmental stimuli and sediment conditions may affect root growth, potentially resulting in asymmetric root architecture through hydropatterning and mechanical drag. Two small-scale experiments are designed to investigate the contributions of hydropatterning and dynamotropism to plant (cuttings) roots asymmetry. In addition to lab experiments, a field experiment will also be conducted to gather systematic field-scale evidence of asymmetric root structures in plant cuttings and real plants, which will aid in upscaling methodology.