Soil, plant, and water relationships in crop growth and development: A review

Abstract

One of the most vital aspects that regulates crop growth and development as well as productivity of agroecosystems is water availability. The soil-plant-water interaction pulls together the physical characteristics of soil, the physiological processes and mechanisms that take place in plants, and the atmosphere into an integrated continuous hydraulic cycle, which is normally known as the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (SPAC). The water balance of soil waters controls the uptake of water to the roots, transport of nutrients, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance, biomass accumulation and yield formation. Differences in soil texture, soil structure, and hydraulic conductivity have a profound impact on the amount of water available to plants, whereas adaptive responses to water limitations are driven by the traits of the plant, including root system architecture, xylem conductivity, and stomatal control. This review presents a synthesis of soil, plant and water interactions and has a major focus on the movement of water in soil, water and plant relationships, physiological manifestations of crops under water stress, and the consequences of water stress to crops, as well as the implications of water management and sustainability of crops. This review also brings out research gaps for the future in the context of climate change to enhance agricultural efficiency and resilience.