Big questions: What are the gaps between current model representation of roots and our understanding of roots based on current measurements?

Links with models: Can the community of root and rhizosphere ecologists work together to develop an ‘Ideal conceptual model’ of roots and root processes that could be made numerical with help from the modeling community? What are the priorities for the next steps in the evolution of a root model / module? (This could be a complicated discussion, as it could be based on several factors, including sensitivity analyses, educated opinions of the community of root and rhizosphere ecologists, or even where the most data are available.)

Knowledge base: Where are the global data? Can we all contribute data on root traits and processes to a developing root database available for model use? What is the priority for future data collection?

Response to environment: What are the experiments / measurements / technological advances that are needed to improve our understanding of the relationship between root processes and environmental conditions, and the representation of these relationships in models?