CACTIBOTANY AND CULTIVATION
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Cacti / Tables and diagrams

Tables and diagrams

Water uptake by roots

Cactus and succulent atlasIndex of former namesTables and diagramsCultivation proceduresRootstocks
ROOT AND SUBSTRATE DURING DRYING
Changes in root contact with the substrateTwo illustrative cross-sections. When well hydrated, the root is in contact with the substrate. After contraction, an air gap may form between its surface and the substrate.Contact with moist substrateAfter root contractionRootRootAir gapWater reaches the surfaceThe gap changes resistance to flowIllustrative geometry and proportions
A qualitative model based on Nobel and Cui (1992). The gap may limit water loss to dry substrate. [Nobel and Cui 1992] [Dubrovsky et al. 1998] [Dubrovsky and North 2002]

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