Root growth is an essential parameter regarding nitrogen (N) uptake efficiency, as more and deeper roots may improve the uptake from deeper soil layers and reduce nitrate leaching losses.

During this PhD project, it was studied how different agronomic practices influence root growth and N relations in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L).

Field experiments on the effect of sowing date, N fertilization and cultivars were conducted on a sandy loam soil in Taastrup, Denmark. The root studies were conducted by means of the minirhizotron method.

Also, a field experiment on the effect of defoliation and N fertilization was conducted in Canberra, Australia. Here the root studies were done by means of the core-break method and root washing.