Root Traits for Improving N Acquisition Efficiency

Global agriculture requires the development of nutrient-efficient crops to improve food security while reducing environmental pollution. In developing nations, low soil nitrogen (N) availability and limited fertilizer usage is a primary limitation to crop production, while in developed nations, intensive N fertilization is a primary economic, energy, and environmental cost to crop production. In order to mitigate these risks, the development of crops with superior root traits enhancing N acquisition is essential. The development of crops with enhanced N capture would increase crop productivity, enhance sustainability, and reduce environmental pollution. There is substantial genetic variation for root phenes that have potential to improve N capture and reduce the N requirement of crops. In this chapter, we explore root phenes that enhance N acquisition that are urgently needed in global agriculture. Root ideotypes for enhanced N capture are predicted to pave the way for more productive and sustainable cropping systems