Root and shoot growth of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are differently affected by increasing subsoil biopore density when grown under different subsoil moisture

A column experiment with five different pore densities (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 pores column−1) and two varying moisture regimes (comparatively dry and comparatively moist regime) in the subsoil part of the columns was established. In each pore, Lumbricus terrestris was introduced for 28 days before sowing wheat plants. After 40 days of plant growth, watering was stopped to induce progressive topsoil drying. Parameters describing the shoot hydration, mineral uptake, and aboveground biomass were quantified. Root biomass and root length densities (RLD) were measured separately for six soil layers. Under dry subsoil conditions, plants grown under increasing biopore density showed an increase of the RLD and an improved shoot hydration but the aboveground biomass was unaffected. Since RLD but not root biomass was enhanced, it is assumed that roots were able to explore a larger volume of soil with the same amount of root biomass. Thereby, subsoil water likely was used more efficiently leading to an improved hydration. Under moist subsoil conditions, plants grown with increasing biopore density revealed enhanced shoot biomasses and nutrient uptake while the belowground biomass was unaffected. The improved nutrient uptake can be ascribed to, first, the higher subsoil water availability favoring mass flow driven nutrient uptake, and second, to direct and indirect effects of earthworms on the availability of soil nutrients. It is concluded that high biopore abundancies have the potential to improve not only the belowground but also the aboveground biomass. This, however, largely depends on subsoil moisture.

Using systems agronomy to exploit deep roots in crops

In this chapter we review strategies to capture benefits from deeper rooting, taking the example of the semi-arid southern Australian wheat belt. The chapter focusses on the theme of better capturing deep subsoil water with deeper and more effective root systems. The chapter looks at ways of increasing root depth, the role of agronomic techniques as well as genetic improvement methods.

Features of the balance structure formation of groundwater withdrawal and its effect on river flow at a subsoil water level drawdown

The balance structure of the pumpage sourses of riverside water-intakes, developing a subsoil aquifer or intermediate water that hydraulically interacts with it, can show the effect of the processes of water balance adjustment in the unsaturated zone to the accompanying subsoil water level drawdown. In this case, because of the shallow depth to subsoil water, its level drop due to water withdrawal causes a decrease in evapotranspiration and an increase in groundwater infiltration recharge. These processes have their effect on the balance structure of usable water resources as components of natural and involved resources and reduce the impact of groundwater pumping on river flow. Analysis of the operational data of the Sudogda waterintake in Vladimir oblast and geohydrological modeling were used to evaluate variations of the groundwater evaportanspiration losses and infiltration recharge and their role in the water balance structure of reserves of a field and in the impact of groundwater withdrawal on river flow.