Root function in uptake of nutrients and the effect of soil water on the transfer and distribution of NO3−-N in arable soil were studied using summer maize (Zea mays L. var. Shandan 9) as a testing crop. Results showed that root growth and water supply had a significant effect on NO3−-N transfer and made NO3−-N distributed evenly from bulk soil to rhizosphere soil. Under a natural condition with irrigation, the difference of NO3−-N concentration at different distance points from a maize plant was smaller, while obvious difference of NO3−-N...