Resource allocation in plants

 

A. Daniel Johnson

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2006, Volume 27

Abstract

Plants can extract a limited amount of resources from their environment, which can be allocated to growth either above or below ground. A species’ pattern of allocation is genetically determined, but is not completely fixed. In this lab, students compare allocation strategies between plant species, and within a single species under different abiotic conditions. The inquiry–based exercise was designed for freshman in introductory or non–majors courses, and includes an opportunity for students to design experiments of their own. The general methods can be adapted to more advanced courses as well.

Keywords:  resource allocation, soil nitrogen, root to shoot ratio

Virginia Tech (2005)