Effect of Chia Seed Mucilage on the Rhizosphere Hydraulic Characteristics

The rhizosphere is one of the major components in soil–plant–atmosphere continuum which controls flow water from soil into roots. Plant roots release mucilage capable altering physio-chemical properties this region. Here, we showed how impacted on hydraulic properties, using simple experiments. An artificial rhizosphere, treated or not with mucilage, was placed a sample and suction applied to mimic negative pressure plant xylem. measured contents matric potential were coupled numerical models estimate retention curve conductivity. A slower loss observed scenario resulted an increase retention. Moreover, slightly lower conductivity initially (8.44 × 10−4 cm s−1) compared controlled saturated soil. Over drying, relatively higher unsaturated observed. In summary, demonstrated that altered enhanced These findings improve our understanding plants capture more water, postulate secretion could be optimal trait for survival during drying.