Theory and simulation for low-frequency interfacial polarization of plant root cell

SUMMARY The intricate architecture of plant root systems is crucial for nutrient and water uptake, significantly influencing plant growth and productivity. Induced polarization is a promising non-destructive technique for analysing plant roots in their natural conditions. This study introduces a novel theoretical and numerical model to explain the significant low-frequency polarization of plant root cells observed in previous experiments. Our approach addresses the limitations of existing models by incorporating geometric constraints and internal mechanisms of cell polarization, particularly focusing on interfacial polarization across the cell membrane. Through comprehensive simulations, we investigate various geometries and boundary conditions, demonstrating that densely packed root cells exhibit significant polarization signals within a measurable frequency range due to coupling effects. Our findings align with experimental observations, indicating that the peak frequency is highly sensitive to cell arrangement and membrane properties, while the maximum phase shift remains consistent. This model provides a robust framework for interpreting polarization signals in root systems, offering potential applications for in-situ characterization of plant roots and enhancing the understanding of root dynamics under different environmental conditions.