A full understanding of the functioning of the root system of a plant is essential to anyone working in the area of agricultural, plant and soil sciences. This exciting new book provides comprehensive coverage, written by one of the world’s foremost authorities on the subject. Full details are given of new scientific insights in the area, e.g. the interactions between roots and soil, and the genetic control of roots’ responses to the environment, many of which have come about due to the use of modern techniques in imaging, molecular biology and analytical chemistry. Contents include: morphology and anatomy, measurement, development and growth, effects of the physico-chemical environment, the rhizosphere and root modification of soils, roots and the biological environment, water and nutrient uptake, genetic control of root properties and practical exploitation of root characters.