The dynamics of root growth and decay in crops, weeds, grasses, shrubs or trees that form a part of tropical agroecosystems are examined. The root growth, functional shoot-root equilibrium and local response are discussed. The problems and opportunities for measuring root dynamics, the empirical data on root growth and decay, and the model representations of root dynamics, are presented. The management implications of root dynamics are outlined.
The importance of below-ground interactions (BGI) in agroecosystems are presented. The scope and limitations of different practices for managing BGI in agroforestry land use systems are discussed.
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