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Tribology of the root cap in maize ( Zea mays ) and peas ( Pisum sativum )
Author(s) -
BENGOUGH A. G.,
KIRBY J. M.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-8137.1999.00406.x
Subject(s) - pisum , sativum , penetration (warfare) , elongation , tribology , root cap , friction coefficient , materials science , coefficient of friction , zea mays , kinetic energy , agronomy , botany , mathematics , biology , composite material , physics , operations research , quantum mechanics , shoot , ultimate tensile strength , meristem
Frictional resistance to a penetrating body can account for more than 80% of the total resistance to penetration of soil. We measured the frictional resistance between growing root caps of maize and pea and ground and smooth glass surfaces, which was linearly correlated to load, allowing calculation of the coefficient of kinetic friction and adhesion. Coefficients of kinetic friction between the root caps and the ground and smooth glass surfaces were approximately 0.04 and 0.02, respectively, the first measurements of the frictional properties of root tips at rates approaching those of root elongation, and an order of magnitude smaller than those previously reported. Results suggest that roots are well designed for penetrating soil, and encounter only small frictional resistance on the root cap. These data provide important parameters for modelling soil stresses and deformation around growing root tips.