scholarly journals Relating Profile Wall Root-Length Density Estimates to Monolith Root-Length Density Measurements of Cover Crops

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Tábata Aline Bublitz ◽  
Roman Kemper ◽  
Phillip Müller ◽  
Timo Kautz ◽  
Thomas F. Döring ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Soil Cores ◽  
Mixed Stands ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Level Of Agreement

Different methods have been proposed for in situ root-length density (RLD) measurement. One widely employed is the time-consuming sampling of soil cores or monoliths (MO). The profile wall (PW) method is a less precise, but faster and less laborious alternative. However, depth-differentiated functions to convert PW RLD estimates to MO RLD measurements have not yet been reported. In this study, we perform a regression analysis to relate PW results to MO results and determine whether calibration is possible for distinct crop groups (grasses, brassicas and legumes) consisting of pure and mixed stands, and whether soil depth affects this calibration. The methods were applied over two years to all crop groups and their absolute and cumulative RLD were compared using a linear (LR) and multiple linear (MLR) regression. PW RLD was found to highly underestimate MO RLD in absolute values and in highly rooted areas. However, a close agreement between both methods was found for cumulative root-length (RL) when applying MLR, highlighting the influence of soil depth. The level of agreement between methods varied strongly with depth. Therefore, the application of PW as the main RLD estimation method can provide reliable estimates of cumulative root distribution traits of cover crops.

Root and Shoot Responses to Salt Stress in Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jhonathan Ephrath ◽  
Alon Ben-Gal ◽  
Amnon Bustan ◽  
Lina Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Root Diameter ◽  
Salinity Level ◽  
Simmondsia Chinensis ◽  
Root Number ◽  
Over Time

<p>Salinity affects plant growth due to both osmotic and ionic stress. The root system is essential in defense mechanisms against salinity, particularly involving salt ion avoidance or exclusion. Jojoba (<em>Simmondsia chinensis</em>) displays significant resistance to salinity. In the present study, Jojoba was planted in 60-L plastic buckets containing perlite growth medium and were provided with eight distinct salinity levels using two operating tanks of final irrigation solutions. Response of Jojoba to salinity was measured in above ground parameters and in roots using minirhizotron access tubes and imaging analysis. Leaf phosphorous and potassium concentrations decreased with increasing salinity level while leaf manganese, calcium, sodium and chloride concentrations increased with irrigation salinity level. Jojoba plants were found to have high level of storage of salt minerals in leaves but without effects on photosynthesis or transpiration. Roots exhibited different distribution patterns under different salinity treatments. Root length density increased with increased salinity at each depth. Root number and root length increased over time. During spring, the plant growth was faster than winter. Root diameter decreased over time due to new root development. Time had a more significant effect on root length density than irrigation water salinity or soil depth. Root number and root length were not significantly affected by the salt treatments.</p>

Root length density and soil water distribution in drip-irrigated olive orchards in Argentina under arid conditions

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter S. Searles ◽  
Diego A. Saravia ◽  
M. Cecilia Rousseaux
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Root System ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Water Content ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Drip Line ◽  
North West ◽  
Intensively Managed

Several studies have evaluated many above-ground aspects of olive production, but essential root system characteristics have been little examined. The objective of our study was to evaluate root length density (RLD) and root distribution relative to soil water content in three commercial orchards (north-west Argentina). Depending on the orchard, the different drip emitter arrangements included either: (1) emitters spaced continuously at 1-m intervals along the drip line (CE-4; 4 emitters per tree); (2) 4 emitters per tree spaced at 1-m intervals, but with a space of 2 m between emitters of neighbouring trees (E-4); or (3) 2 emitters per tree with 4 m between emitters of neighbouring trees (E-2). All of the orchards included either var. Manzanilla fina or Manzanilla reina trees (5–8 years old) growing in sandy soils, although the specific characteristics of each orchard differed. Root length density values (2.5–3.5 cm/cm3) in the upper soil depth (0–0.5 m) were fairly uniform along the drip line in the continuous emitter (CE-4) orchard. In contrast, roots were more concentrated in the E-4 and E-2 orchards, in some cases with maximum RLD values of up to 7 cm/cm3. Approximately 70% of the root system was located in the upper 0.5 m of soil depth, and most of the roots were within 0.5 m of the drip line. For each of the three orchards, significant linear relationships between soil water content and RLD were detected based on 42 sampling positions that included various distances from the trunk and soil depths. Values of RLD averaged over the entire rooting zone and total tree root length per leaf area for the three orchards were estimated to range from 0.19 to 0.48 cm/cm3 and from 1.8 to 3.5 km/m2, respectively. These results should reduce the uncertainty associated with the magnitude of RLD values under drip irrigation as intensively managed olive orchards continue to expand in established and new growing regions.

scholarly journals Mixed and monospecific stands of eucalyptus and black-wattle: I - fine root length density

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (10) ◽  
pp. 1818-1825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Márcio Viera ◽  
Mauro Valdir Schumacher ◽  
Edenilson Liberalesso
Keyword(s):  
Root Length ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Eucalyptus Grandis ◽  
Initial Growth ◽  
Tree Trunk ◽  
Acacia Mearnsii ◽  
Mixed Stands ◽  
Soil Layers ◽  
Fine Root Length

Fine root length density (FRLD) was evaluated in mixed and monospecific stands of Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla and Acacia mearnsii in Southern Brazil. FRLD (≤2,0mm) at 8 and 18 months after planting in the treatments: 100E (100% of eucalyptus); 100A (100% of Acacia mearnsii); 50E:50A (50% of eucalyptus + 50% of Acacia mearnsii). The findings demonstrated that the FRLD at 8 months of age have the same distribution, in the two different species, in the distribution of the different soil layers, reaching the maximum projection of 125cm from the tree trunk. For the age of 18 months after planting, it was verified that the FRLD in the monospecific stand of Acacia mearnsii was higher than in the monoculture and mixed stand of Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla. Therefore, no interaction, neither positive nor negative, between the root systems of Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla and Acacia mearnsii during the 18 months after planting was found. The higher FRLD is found at the soil layers surface, next to the tree trunk and in the planting line, followed by the diagonal and planting rows. The initial growth in length of the root system of Acacia mearnsii is more dynamic with higher density than the eucalyptus, but without interfering directly in the global growth of fine roots in mixed stands.

scholarly journals Root Distribution and Yield of Direct Seeded and Transplanted Watermelon

1999 ◽  
Vol 124 (5) ◽  
pp. 458-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.S. NeSmith
Keyword(s):  
Root Length ◽  
Root Distribution ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Citrullus Lanatus ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Soil Cores ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Stand Establishment ◽  
Planting Methods ◽  
Direct Seeded

Transplanting generally results in more rapid stand establishment than direct seeding for cucurbit crops. A 2-year field study was conducted to examine the pattern of rooting of watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nak.] following usage of different planting methods, and to determine subsequent effects on crop yield. Root length was assessed by obtaining soil cores three times per growing season to a depth of 75 cm. Transplanted watermelons generally had greater root length density in the upper 30 cm of soil 4 to 7 weeks after planting (WAP). However, by 11 to 12 WAP root distribution was similar over the entire 75 cm soil profile for the two planting methods. Total marketable yields were comparable for direct seeded and transplanted watermelons during 1995, but transplanted watermelon yield exceeded direct seeded yield by 40% in 1996. In both years, 90% to 100% of the marketable yield of transplanted watermelons was obtained at the first harvest, compared to 0% to 55% for direct seeded watermelons. These findings suggest that rapid root proliferation of transplanted watermelons may be an important factor in their earlier establishment and increased early yields as compared to direct seeded watermelons.

scholarly journals In situ Root Phenotypes of Cotton Seedlings Under Phosphorus Stress Revealed Through RhizoPot

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zichen Zhang ◽  
Lingxiao Zhu ◽  
Dongxiao Li ◽  
Nan Wang ◽  
Hongchun Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Root Hairs ◽  
Specific Root Length ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
P Deficiency ◽  
Branch Density ◽  
P Absorption

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a common challenge in crop production because of its poor mobility through the soil. The root system plays a significant role in P absorption from the soil and is the initial indicator of low P levels. However, the phenotypic dynamics and longevity of cotton roots under P stress remain unknown. In this study, RhizoPot, an improvised in situ root observation device, was used to monitor the dynamics of root phenotypes of cotton seedlings under P-deficient (PD) and P-replete (PR) conditions. Low P stress reduced P absorption and accumulation in the roots, leading to low dry weight accumulation. Cotton seedlings responded to low P stress by increasing the number of lateral roots, specific root length, branch density, root length density, and length of root hairs. Additionally, the life span of root hairs was prolonged. Low P stress also reduced the average diameter of roots, promoted root extension, expanded the root coverage area, and increased the range of P acquisition. Principal component analysis revealed that the net root growth rate, root length density, root dry weight, P absorption efficiency, average root hair length, and taproot daily growth significantly influenced the cotton root architecture. Collectively, these results show that low P stress reduces the net growth rate of cotton seedling roots and restricts plant growth. Plants respond to P deficiency by extending the life span of root hairs and increasing specific root length and lateral root branch density. This change in root system architecture improves the adaptability of plants to low P conditions. The findings of this study may guide the selection of cotton varieties with efficient P utilization.

scholarly journals Grafted Watermelon Root Length Density and Distribution under Different Soil Moisture Treatments

HortScience ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 1021-1026 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilbert Miller ◽  
Ahmad Khalilian ◽  
Jeffrey W. Adelberg ◽  
Hamid J. Farahani ◽  
Richard L. Hassell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Citrullus Lanatus ◽  
Irrigation Management ◽  
Irrigation Treatment ◽  
System Size ◽  
Deep Soil

Delineating the depth and extent of the watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thumb.) Matsum. & Nak.] root zone assists with proper irrigation management and minimizes nutrient leaching. The objective of this 3-year field study was to measure root distribution and root length density of watermelon (cv. Wrigley) grafted on two different rootstocks (Lagenaria siceraria cv. ‘FR Strong’ and Cucurbita moschata × Cucurbita maxima cv. Chilsung Shintoza) and grown under three soil moisture treatments. Irrigation treatments tested were: no irrigation (NI), briefly irrigated for fertigation and early-season plant establishment; minimally irrigated (MI), irrigated when soil moisture in top 0.30 m of soil fell below 50% available water capacity (AWC); well irrigated (WI), irrigated when soil moisture in top 0.30 m of soil fell below 15% (AWC). Root length density (RLD) was measured from 75-cm-deep soil cores at two locations three times per growing season and a third location at the end of the season. Cores 1 and 2 sample locations were 15 cm to the side of each plant: Core 1 on the same side as the drip tape and Core 2 on the opposite side. At the end of the season, Core 3 was taken 15 cm outside of the bed in bare ground. RLD was significantly greater in the 0- to 30-cm soil depth and dropped dramatically below 30 cm; it was not significantly affected by irrigation treatment or rootstock. Core 1, next to the drip tape, had greater RLD than Core 2, 30 cm from drip tape, but only at the later sampling dates. Roots were found in Core 3 at all depths, but the RLD was significantly less than that measured in Cores 1 and 2. These findings suggest that the effective root zone depth for watermelon is 0 to 30 cm and that the particular scion/rootstock combinations tested in this study do not differ in root system size or location.

Distribution and density of the root system of macadamia on krasnozem soil and some effects of legume groundcovers on fibrous root density

2003 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 503 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Firth ◽  
R. D. B. Whalley ◽  
G. G. Johns
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Soil Cores ◽  
Fibrous Root ◽  
Proteoid Roots ◽  
Dry Conditions ◽  
Proteoid Root ◽  
Fibrous Roots

Whole-tree excavations, root-core and minirhizotron studies indicate that the grafted macadamia tree root system is relatively shallow and spreading, with a short taproot and most of the fibrous root system near the soil surface, while ungrafted trees have a longer taproot. The length of fibrous roots diminished with depth and distance from the trunk. This pattern is consistent with other fruit trees, in that the highest density is generally within 1 m of the trunk. Values obtained in core samples in this study were 4.97 (± 0.43) cm/cm3 and 1.67 (± 0.45) cm/cm3 for 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm at 0.5 m from the trunk, and 2.34 and 1.08 cm/cm3, respectively, at 1 m from the trunk at Clunes. These values were similar to those obtained in separate studies in 1991–93, involving assessments at 5�cm depth increments down to 15 cm, where mean root length densities were 2.0–3.5 cm/cm3 and 1.3–1.9 cm/cm3 at 0–5 cm and 5–15 cm depth, respectively, 1.4 m from the trunk. Root length under old trees in bare soil at Dorroughby and Clunes, using minirhizotrons (0.25–0.40 cm/cm2) and soil cores (1.14 and 3.50 cm/cm3, respectively), was similar to that found at other sites in the study area (minirhizotrons 0.28–0.33 cm/cm2; soil cores 1.25–2.80 cm/cm3). There is an apparent lower rate of decrease in root length density with increasing distance from the trunk at 10–20 cm compared with 0–10 cm. New root growth occurred predominantly in autumn, but some new fibrous roots were produced in early winter and spring. Proteoid roots were found in abundance in soil cores and adjacent to minirhizotron tubes and there were more of them in the root systems of younger trees at Clunes than with older trees at Dorroughby. Proteoid roots were found at a greater depth than previously recorded for other Proteaceae species, and appeared to retain their function in relatively dry conditions for more than a year. Non-proteoid fibrous roots at the minirhizotron surface appeared to be functional for about 1.5 years in relatively dry conditions, before decay after the onset of wet soil conditions.The effects of 2 newly established perennial legume groundcovers on the root systems of younger and older macadamia trees were studied over 2.5 years. In general, the presence of groundcover either had no effect on the growth of the macadamia roots or increased the root length density at some sampling dates and some depths. At Clunes, where the proteoid root length density was higher than at Dorroughby, the presence of groundcover was associated with higher proteoid root length density than that with bare ground. Arachis pintoi cv. Amarillo generally had a lower root length density than Lotus pedunculatus.

Root length and biomass in mixtures of broomsedge with loblolly pine or sweetgum

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 926-933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce R Zutter ◽  
Robert J Mitchell ◽  
Glenn R Glover ◽  
Dean H Gjerstad
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Specific Root Length ◽  
Biomass Density ◽  
Factorial Combination ◽  
Pine Seedlings ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Pinus Taeda L

Root length density (RLD) and root biomass density (RBD) of fine roots (<2 mm) were examined in a factorial combination of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus L.) and a factorial combination of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) and broomsedge to determine the extent to which competition may influence belowground plant response. Broomsedge and sweetgum seedlings were planted, grown for 1 year, and cut before planting of pine seedlings. Sampling occurred 1 year after planting of pine. Broomsedge had a significant negative effect (p < 0.10) on RBD and RLD of sweetgum and loblolly pine in the upper 30 and 45 cm of soil, respectively. RLD and RBD of broomsedge increased with increasing broomsedge density (p < 0.10) and decreased with addition of either tree species, with sweetgum having a greater effect. Patterns in the effects of competitors on RBD and RLD were similar to those noted for aboveground biomass. Specific root length (SRL) of broomsedge was three and five times greater than that of sweetgum or loblolly pine, respectively (p < 0.05). The addition of interspecific competitors reduced the percentage of total RLD of pine and sweetgum and RBD of broomsedge in the 0- to 15-cm soil depth with a corresponding increase in the 15- to 30-cm depth.

scholarly journals Dwarfing Effect of Apple Rootstocks Is Intimately Associated with Low Number of Fine Roots

HortScience ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 503-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haishan An ◽  
Feixiong Luo ◽  
Ting Wu ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
Xuefeng Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Root Length ◽  
Fine Roots ◽  
Root Architecture ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Higher Plants ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Root Production ◽  
Fine Root Production ◽  
The Impact

Fine root (≤2 mm in diameter) systems play a pivotal role in water and mineral uptake in higher plants. However, the impact of fine root architecture on tree growth and development is not fully understood, especially in apple trees. Here, we summarize a 6-year-trial study using minirhizotrons to investigate the relationships between fine root production, mortality, and longevity in ‘Red Fuji’ trees grafted on five different rootstocks/interstems. Based on root length density (RLD), fine root production and mortality were markedly lower in ‘Red Fuji’ trees growing on dwarfing M.9 (M.9) and Shao series no. 40 (SH.40) rootstocks than in trees on standard Malus robusta ‘Baleng Crab’ (BC) rootstock. The use of M.9 and SH.40 as interstems led to an extensive reduction in fine root production and mortality in comparison with BC rootstock. Root number density (RND), but not average root length (ARL), showed similar patterns to RLD. About one-half of fine roots in ‘Red Fuji’ tree growing on M.9 were scattered within the top 0–20 cm of topsoil, indicating shallow root system in M.9, whereas in trees on BC, 55.15% of fine roots were distributed between 100- and 150-cm soil depth, indicating a deep root architecture. The addition of interstems did not alter fine root soil-depth distribution. For all rootstocks/interstems, fine roots with a life span of less than 80 days were generated in spring and summer, but fine roots which lived for more than 81 days were produced almost all the year round. In conclusion, lower fine root numbers were associated with the dwarfing effect in dwarfing rootstocks/interstems, but ARL and shallower rooting were not.

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