Hierarchical Modeling of Branching Growth Patterns in a Root System of Corn

Abstract

Modeling of branching growth patterns for a root system of corn was established on the basis of L-system, considering the root responses to soil density change. This was characterized by hierarchical growth-rules: metarules to describe features of a whole system of root, root-branching rules for relatively regular patterns in a mezzo-small area, and random movement at the growing tip of root in a small area. A root growth model was developed in which the growth movements of smaller area were controlled by the rules of larger regions in a wide range. The root growth model provided good representations of original patterns of root system.