Temporal and spatial dynamics in root length density of field-grown maize and NPK in the soil profile

The replacement of inorganic fertilizer nitrogen by manure is highlighted to have great potential to maintain crop yield while delivering multiple functions, including the improvement of soil quality. However, information on the dynamics of root distributions in response to chemical fertilizers and manure along the soil profile is still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal-spatial root distributions of summer maize (Zea mays L.) from 2013 to 2015 under four treatments (unfertilized control (CK), inorganic fertilizer (NPK), manure + 70% NPK (NPKM), and NPKM + straw (NPKMS)). Root efficiency for shoot N accumulation was increased by 89% in the NPKM treatment compared with the NPK treatment at V12 (the emergence of the twelfth leaf) of 2014. Root growth at 40–60 cm was consistently stimulated after manure and/or straw additions, especially at V12 and R3 (the milk stage) across three years. Root length density (RLD) in the diameter <0.2 mm at 0–20 cm was significantly positively correlated with soil water content and negatively with soil mineral N contents in 2015. The RLD in the diameter >0.4 mm at 20–60 cm, and RLD <0.2 mm, was positively correlated with shoot N uptake in 2015. The root length density was insensitive in response to fertilization treatments, but the variations in RLD along the soil profile in response to fertilization implies that there is a great potential to manipulate N supply levels and rooting depths to increase nutrient use efficiency. The importance of incorporating a manure application together with straw to increase soil fertility in the North China Plain (NCP) needs further studies.

Download Full-text

Root characteristics of vigorous wheat improve early nitrogen uptake

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.1071/ar05439 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 57 (10) ◽

pp. 1097 ◽

Cited By ~ 107

Author(s):

Mingtan Liao ◽

Jairo A. Palta ◽

Ian R. P. Fillery

Keyword(s):

Root Growth ◽

Soil Profile ◽

Root Length ◽

Root Length Density ◽

Stem Elongation ◽

N Uptake ◽

Soil Layer ◽

Mapping Technique ◽

Genotypic Differences ◽

Root Characteristics

Root growth is important for the acquisition of nitrogen (N) and water in deep sandy soil profiles with high leaching potential. Root growth characteristics and the N uptake of wheat genotypes differing in early vigour were investigated in 2 glasshouse experiments. In both experiments the vigorous breeding lines Vigor18 and B18 and the well-adapted commercial cultivar Janz were grown in glass-walled growth boxes in a controlled-temperature glasshouse up to the onset of stem elongation. In Expt 1, rooting parameters and detailed measurements of root growth and proliferation were made at 2-day intervals using a root mapping technique. In Expt 2 the glass-walled growth boxes were segmented into upper (0–0.2 m), middle (0.2–0.7 m), and bottom (0.7–1.0 m) soil layers, and the contribution of N fertiliser uptake by roots from each soil layer to the total plant N uptake was determined by applying 15N-urea to a single soil layer each time. The accumulated total root length across the soil profile from the 1-leaf stage to the onset of stem elongation was 33–83% higher in the vigorous lines Vigor18 and B18 than in Janz. The roots of the 3 genotypes grew vertically down the soil profile at a similar rate, but the roots of vigorous lines branched earlier and grew horizontally faster and more extensively than those of cv. Janz, resulting in a greater root-length density and root number in the top 0.7-m soil layer. Uptake of N fertiliser by roots in the upper 0–0.2 m of the soil profile was 60–68% higher in the vigorous lines than in Janz. Roots of the vigorous lines located in the segment 0.2–0.7 m of the soil profile captured twice as much N fertiliser than those of Janz. Uptake of N fertiliser by roots in the lower 0.7–1.0 m of the soil profile was similar in the vigorous lines and Janz. This indicates that the early and more extensive horizontal growth of the roots in the 0.2–0.7 m of the soil profile was responsible for the superior uptake of N by the vigorous lines. The implications of these genotypic differences in root growth and proliferation and their relationship with the early acquisition of N are discussed with emphasis on their role in improving the efficiency of N fertiliser uptake and reducing nitrate leaching, particularly in the sandy soils of the Mediterranean climatic region of Australia.

Download Full-text

Towards a simple generic model for upland rice root length density estimation from root intersections on soil profile

Plant and Soil ◽

10.1007/s11104-009-9978-0 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 325 (1-2) ◽

pp. 277-288 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

J. Dusserre ◽

A. Audebert ◽

A. Radanielson ◽

J-L. Chopart

Keyword(s):

Density Estimation ◽

Soil Profile ◽

Root Length ◽

Upland Rice ◽

Root Length Density ◽

Rice Root ◽

Generic Model

Download Full-text

Subsoiling and Planting Method on the Initial Growth of ‘Pera’ Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck)

Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.5539/jas.v11n9p1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Thaís N. Meneses ◽

Mauricio A. Coelho Filho ◽

Hermes P. Santos Filho ◽

Luana L. A. Santos ◽

Abelmon S. Gesteira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soil Profile ◽

Root Length ◽

Management Practices ◽

Sweet Orange ◽

Root Length Density ◽

Early Stage ◽

Initial Growth ◽

Stage Of Development ◽

Canopy Volume ◽

Diameter Classes

The objective of this work was to evaluate the vegetative vigor and root architecture of ‘Pera CNPMF D-6’ sweet orange grafted on Rangpur lime at early stage of development, submitted to different planting methods (planting of nursery trees produced in a protected environment-PNT and planting of seeds at the definitive place-PS) and soil preparation with and without subsoiling. The experiment was carried out at the Lagoa do Coco Farm, Rio Real, Bahia, Brazil. Biometric evaluations were performed to estimate the variables: canopy volume (CV), vegetative vigor index (VVI) and canopy cover rates in the planting row (CCR-R) and interrow (CCR-I). Root samples were also collected up to a depth of 1.45 m at five points in the planting row. The roots were digitized and processed to obtain total root length (TRL), root length density (RLD), average root diameter (RD) and root length for the diameter classes. Plants produced in protected environment exhibit greater shoot vegetative and root development compared to those produced by sowing at the definitive place, at least for the young orchard and under rainfed conditions. Subsoiling did not affect root system distribution and PNT favored the increase in TRL along the soil profile compared to PS, for all diameter classes evaluated, contributing to the increase in vegetative vigor observed in the plants. Regardless of the management practices adopted, roots were concentrated in the first 0.35 m of the vertical soil profile, due to physical impediment caused by the presence of cohesive horizons.

Download Full-text

Root length density (RLD) of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) in a haplic Luvisol in Chiapas, Mexico

Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias UNCuyo ◽

10.48162/rev.39.049 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 53 (2) ◽

pp. 157-164

Author(s):

José Jesús Obrador-Olán ◽

Mepivoseth Castelán-Estrada ◽

Alberto Córdova Sánchez ◽

Sergio Salgado-García ◽

Eustolia García-López ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oil Palm ◽

Soil Profile ◽

Root Length ◽

Fine Roots ◽

Root Length Density ◽

Soil Depth ◽

Low Fertility ◽

Food Storage ◽

Support Functions ◽

Oil Palms

The tight relationship between root architecture and uptake capacity of soil water and minerals, is well established. Support roots, generally long-lived, perform support functions such as transportation and food storage. Absorbing roots, thin and short-lived, absorb nutrients and regulate plant metabolism. Roots distribution in the soil profile is crucial for plant development. It optimizes resource usage and ensures a prompt response to seasonal changes. This work aimed to study the vertical distribution of the root system of nine-year-old oil palms in a haplic Luvisol, low fertility, moderately acidic, with Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) deficiency, average content of Phosphorous (P), and medium to low Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). Using the cylinder method, soil samples were collected every 10 cm and down to 150 cm of soil depth, from each cardinal side of three soil profiles. The results showed that oil palms had good root development. Most roots (73%) were found in the first 30 cm of soil, with a predominance of fine roots (78%). At 50 cm in depth, fine roots represented 88%, thin roots, 67% and medium roots, 94%. Further study should assess root length density at 15, 20, 25, and 30 years. Highlights - Haplic luvisols are optimal soils for oil palm cultivation due to their depth (> 150cm), over 50% base saturation, and pH of 5.5-6.6. - Root length density (RLD) decreased as soil depth increased. Although most oil palm roots are found in surface horizons, roots can still be found at depths of up to 1.5-5 m. - The highest number of oil palm roots (73%) was found in the first 30 cm, with 78% of fine roots. - Fine roots were distributed throughout the entire soil profile, evidencing high nutrient-absorption and metabolic activities.

Download Full-text