Factors affecting the longevity of clover roots following shoot excision and its implications for managing N cycling in arable cropping systems

► Root longevity after permanent defoliation of red clover is highly variable. ► Cell viability declined after tissue sugar concentrations fell below 24 mg g DW−1. ► Root longevity depends on the initial sugar concentration and its rate of depletion. ► Root damage by tillage might promote the early release of N from clover.