Compensatory hydraulic uptake of water by tomato due to variable root‐zone salinity

Plant root systems are exposed to spatial and temporal heterogeneity regarding water availability. In the long-term, compensation, increased uptake by roots in areas with favorable conditions response decreased under stress, is driven growth distribution. short-term (hours–days), compensative processes less understood. We hypothesized hydraulic compensation where local lowered availability accompanied from remains available. Our objective was quantify instantaneous of differential Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants were grown split-root weighing-drainage lysimeters which each half could alternatively be salinity. Uptake quantified two zone compartments. One-sided exposure salinity immediately led salt-affected compartment nontreated compartment. Compensation occurred at salinity, caused NaCl solution 4 dS m−1, that did not decrease entire exposed. At higher 6.44 transpiration ∼50% when total system When only exposed, maintained levels nonstressed as much 85% occurring The extent absolute apparently a function atmospheric demand, duration exposure. As long there no restriction other areas, temporary reduction some parts tomato's will affect plant-scale transpiration.