Maize roots' respiration rate is linked to the amount of reduced nitrogen and growth of lateral roots. The study found that as the concentration of reduced nitrogen increased, the respiration rate of the roots also increased. Roots with higher levels of reduced nitrogen had higher respiration rates. When the concentration of reduced nitrogen was below 9 mg per gram, the respiration rate was lowest. Roots actively absorbing nitrogen had a 17% higher respiration rate compared to roots not absorbing nitrogen. The increase in respiration rate with higher levels of reduced nitrogen was mainly due to the growth of lateral branches.