Wurzeldurchmesser

WurzelDurchmesser is a parameter used in plant science to describe the diameter of a plant root at a given position along the root axis. It refers to the cross‑sectional width of the root and can be reported as a local measurement at a specific point or as a mean diameter over a defined segment. The term is often used in studies of root morphology, function, and plant adaptation.

Measurement methods range from direct cross‑sectional imaging and microtomy, where the width is measured on prepared sections, to nondestructive approaches such as high‑resolution root scanners or imaging software that estimates diameter from cross‑sectional area. Common units are millimeters or micrometers, depending on the species and developmental stage. For many plants, especially herbaceous species, fine roots exhibit diameters in the roughly 0.1 to 2 mm range, while larger woody roots can be several millimeters to centimeters in diameter.

WurzelDurchmesser varies with species, age, soil conditions, moisture, and nutrient availability, as well as mechanical impedance from the soil. Generally, larger diameters are associated with greater transport capacity and mechanical stability, but they may present a lower surface area-to-volume ratio, affecting nutrient and water uptake per unit biomass. Along the root, diameter often changes from a narrow tip toward thicker basal regions and increases with developmental progression.

Applications include comparative root morphology, breeding for root traits related to resource acquisition, and ecological studies of root–soil interactions. See also root diameter variation, root morphology, and fine roots.