Effect of changing chemical environment on physical properties of maize root mucilage

Abstract Aims High viscosity, low surface tension and hydrophobicity are specific properties of maize root mucilage which contribute to modulate the spatial configuration liquid phase in soil pores. Several processes rhizosphere, particularly nutrient absorption, exudation microbial activity, may cause strong temporal variations chemistry solution rhizosphere. Although physical have been repeatedly measured last years, their variation upon a changing chemical environment understanding mechanisms governing these remain unexplored. Methods We investigated how flow varied by changes pH, calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) lecithin concentrations. Results The can strongly vary depending on environmental conditions. Low at pH7 was increased addition calcium. Upon pH change addition, hydrophobic turned hydrophilic. Ca concentration above 0.83 mmol (g dry mucilage) −1 , 167 μg rise 9 decreased viscosity mucilage. Conclusion Such suggest that role hydraulic rhizosphere depends solutes composition, themselves according plant growth water content. It seems best serve as bridge only under certain environments, whose spatio-temporal occurrence remains be defined.