Summary
This field study applied functional trait ecology to understand how crop physiology shifts during transitions from conventional to agroecological farming. Across 44 maize farms in central India, root traits demonstrated substantially greater variability and sensitivity to transition phase than leaf traits, with specific root length, specific root area, and specific root length density showing the widest variation. The findings suggest root functional traits are more responsive indicators than leaf traits for monitoring agroecological transitions, offering quantitative evidence of temporal dynamics in crop strategies during sustainable agriculture adoption.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in central India with maize, a globally important crop. Whilst the specific soil conditions and farming contexts of India differ from United Kingdom agriculture, the methodological approach and findings on root trait plasticity may have relevance to understanding crop physiological responses during organic or regenerative transitions in UK conditions, though field validation with UK crop varieties and soil types would strengthen applicability.
Key measures
Specific root length, specific root area, specific root length density, specific leaf area, leaf nitrogen concentration, leaf C:N ratios, and crop trait hypervolume space across five transition phases
Outcomes reported
The study measured leaf and root trait expression in maize across five phases of agroecological transition on 44 farms in central India. Root traits showed significantly higher variability and greater sensitivity to transition phase and region than leaf traits, suggesting root traits are more responsive indicators of agroecological change.
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