A comparison between minirhizotron and monolith sampling methods for measuring root growth of maize (Zea mays L.)

Transparent plastic minirhizotron tubes have been used to evaluate spatial and temporal growth activities of plant root systems. Root number was estimated from video recordings of roots intersecting minirhizotron tubes and of washed roots extracted from monoliths of the same soil profiles at the physiological maturity stage of a maize (Zea mays L.) crop. Root length was measured by the line intercept (LI) and computer image processing (CIP) methods from the monolith samples.There was a slight significant correlation (r=0.28, p<0.005) between the number of roots measured by minirhizotron and root lengths measured by the LI method, however, no correlation was found with the CIP method. Using a single regression line, root number was underestimated by the minirhizotron method at depths between 0–7.6 cm. A correlation was found between root length estimated by LI and CIP. The slope of estimated RLD was significant with depth for these two methods. Root length density (RLD) measured by CIP showed a more erratic decline with distance from the plant row and soil surface than the LI method.     

Comparison of tomato root distributions by minirhizotron and destructive sampling

Calibration of minirhizotron data against root length density (RLD) was carried out in a field trial where three drip irrigation depths: surface (R0) and subsurface, 0.20 m (RI) and 0.40 m depth (RII) and two processing tomato cultivars: `Brigade' (CI) and `H3044' (CII) were imposed. For each treatment three minirhizotron tubes were located at 10, 37.5 and 75 cm of the way from one plant row to the next. Roots intersecting the minirizotrons walls were expressed as root length intensity (L _a) and number of roots per unit of minirhizotron wall area (N _ra). Root length density (RLD) was calculated from core samples taken for each minirhizotron tube at two locations: near the top of the minirhizotron (BI) and 15 cm apart from it, facing the minirhizotron wall opposite the plant row (BII). Minirhizotron data were regressed against RLD obtained at BI and BII and with their respective means. The results show that for all the situations studied, better correlations were obtained when RLD was regressed with L _a than with N _ra. Also was evident that the relationship between L _a and RLD was strongly influenced by the location of soil coring. RLD was correlated with L _a trough linear and cubic equations, having the last ones higher determination coefficients. For instance at 10 cm from the plant row when values from the top layer (0–40 cm) were analysed separately, L _a was significantly regressed with RLD measured at BII and described by the equations: RLD = 0.5448 + 0.0071 L _a (R ² = 0.51) and RLD = 0.4823 + 0.0074L _a + 8×10^–5 L _a ² – 5×10^–7 L _a ³ (R ² = 0.61). Under the 40 cm depth the highest coefficients of determination for the linear and cubic equations were respectively 0.47 and 0.88, found when L _a was regressed with RLD measured at BI. For minirhizotrons located at 75 cm from the plant row and for location BI it was possible to analyse jointly data from all depths with coefficients of determination of 0.45 and 0.59 for the linear and cubic equations respectively.     

Cultivar and planting date effects on soybean root growth

To avoid late summer drought, soybean [Gylcine max (L) Merrill] producers in many southern and border states of the USA modify their cropping systems. Options include use of unadapted cultivars and changing planting dates. Because root function is important to plant health and yield, this study was conducted to determine if planting date and soybean cultivar affect root growth and distribution. Seeds of one cultivar from each of four maturity groups (MG III, IV, V, and VI) were sown in mid-April, mid-May, and mid-June in 1992 and 1993 on a Tiptonville silt loam near Portageville, MO. Root observations were performed 30 and 60 days after emergence (DAE) using a minirhizotron system. Cultivars differed for root length density (RLD) only in the 15 to 28 cm depth in 1992 and in the 15 to 28 cm and 29 to 42 cm depths in 1993, but differences were not related to maturity classification of cultivar. Average RLD was 1.02 cm^–3 for MG III and IV cultivars and 1.21 cm cm^–3 for MG V and VI cultivars. Average RLD for the mid-June planting date was 1.65 cm cm^–3 but only 0.73 cm cm^–3 for the mid-April planting date. An increase in RLD between 30 and 60 DAE occurred at all soil depths. For both years, MG V and VI cultivars produced higher yields than the MG III cultivars. Earlier than normal planting dates inhibited early root growth, but did not reduce yield. Cultivars differed only slightly for the rooting characteristics measured in this study. These rooting characteristics may not be important criteria for cultivar selection.Abbreviations MG maturity group - VCR videocassette recorder - DAE days after emergence - RLD root length density - CRLD change in root length density Contribution from the Missouri Agric. Exp. Station Journal Series Number 12, 153Contribution from the Missouri Agric. Exp. Station Journal Series Number 12, 153     

Annual and seasonal changes in fine root biomass of a Quercus ilex L. forest

The biomass, production and mortality of fine roots (roots with diameter <2.5 mm) were studied in a typical Mediterranean holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) forest in NE Spain using the minirhizotron methodology. A total of 1212 roots were monitored between June of 1994 and March of 1997. Mean annual fine root biomass in the holm oak forest of Prades was 71±8 g m^–2 yr^–1. Mean annual production for the period analysed was 260+11 g m^–2 yr^–1. Mortality was similar to production, with a mean value of 253±3 g m^–2 yr^–1. Seasonal fine root biomass presented a cyclic behaviour, with higher values in autumn and winter and lower in spring and summer. Production was highest in winter, and mortality in spring. In summer, production and mortality values were the lowest for the year. Production values in autumn and spring were very similar. The vertical distribution of fine root biomass decreased with increasing depth except for the top 10–20 cm, where values were lower than immediately below. Production and mortality values were similar between 10 and 50 cm depth. In the 0–10 cm and the 50–60 cm depth intervals, both production and mortality were lower.     

A color composite technique for detecting root dynamics of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) from minirhizotron images

Quantification of root dynamics by destructive methods is confounded by high coefficients of variation and loss of fine roots. The minirhizotron technique is non-destructive and allows for sequential root observations to be made at the same depth in situ. Observations can be stored on video tape which facilitates data handling and computer-aided image processing. A color composite technique using digital image analyses was adapted in this study to detect barley root dynamics from sequential minirhizotron images. Plants were grown in the greenhouse in boxes (80 × 80 × 75 cm) containing soil from a surface horizon of a Typic Cryoboroll. A minirhizotron was installed at a 45°C angle in each box. Roots intersecting the minirhizotron were observed and video-recorded at tillering, stem extension, heading, dough and ripening growth stages. The images from a particular depth were digitized from the analog video then registered to each other. Discrimination of roots from the soil matrix gave quantitative estimates of root appearance and disappearance. Changes in root appearance and disappearance were detected by assigning a separate primary color (red, green, blue) to selected growth stages, then overlaying the images to create red-green and red-green-blue color composites. The resulting composites allowed for a visual interpretation and quantification of barley root dynamics in situ.     

Genotype and Planting Density Effects on Rooting Traits and Yield in Cotton （Gossypium hirsutum L,）

Root density distribution of plants is a major Indicator of competition between plants and determines resource capture from the solh This experiment was conducted in 2005 at Anyang, located in the Yellow River region, Henan Province, China. Three cotton （Gossyplum hlrsutum L.） cultivars were chosen： hybrid Btcultlvar CRI46, conventional Btcultlvars CRI44 and CRI45. Six planting densities were designed, ranging from 1.5 to 12.0 plants/m^2. Root parameters such as surface area, diameter and length were analyzed by using the DT-SCAN Image analysis method. The root length density （RLD）, root average diameter and root area Index （RAI）, root surface area per unit land area, were studied. The results showed that RLD and RAI differed between genotypes; hybrid CRI46 had significantly higher （P 〈0.05） RLD and RAI values than conventlonal cultlvars, especially under low planting densities, less than 3.0 plants/m^2. The root area index （RAI） of hybrid CRI46 was 61% higher than of CRI44 and CRI45 at the flowering stage. The RLD and RAI were also significantly different （P = 0.000） between planting densities. The depth distribution of RAI showed that at Increasing planting densities RAI was Increasingly distributed in the soil layers below 50 cm. The RAI of hybrid CRI46 was for all planting densities, obviously higher than other cultivars during the flowering and boll stages. It was concluded that the hybrid had a strong advantage in root maintenance preventing premature senescence of roots. The root diameter of hybrid CRI46 had a genetically higher root diameter at planting densities lower than 6.0 plants/m^2. Good associations were found between yield and RAI In different stages. The optimum planting density ranged from 4.50 plants/m^2 to 6.75 plants/m^2 for conventional cultlvars and around 4.0-5.0 plants/m^2 for hybrids.     

Fibrous carrot root responses to irrigation and compaction of sandy and organic soils

Field experiments were performed in Southern Finland on fine sand and organic soil in 1990 and 1991 to study carrot roots. Fall ploughed land was loosened by rotary harrowing to a depth of 20 cm or compacted under moist conditions to a depth of 25–30 cm by three passes of adjacent wheel tracks with a tractor weighing 3 Mg, in April were contiguously applied across the plot before seed bed preparation. Sprinkler irrigation (30 mm) was applied to fine sand when moisture in the 0–15 cm range of soil depth was 50% of plant-available water capacity. For root sampling, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cylinders (30 × 60 cm) were installed in the rows of experimental plots after sowing, and removed at harvest. Six carrot plants were grown in each of in these soil colums in situ in the field.Fine root length and width were quantified by image analysis. Root length density (RLD) per plant was 0.2–1.0 cm cm^-3 in the 0–30 cm range. The fibrous root system of one carrot had total root lengths of 130–150 m in loose fine sand and 180–200 m in compacted fine sand. More roots were observed in irrigated than non-irrigated soils. In the 0–50 cm range of organic soil, 230–250 m of root length were removed from loosened organic soils and 240–300 m from compacted soils. Specific root surface area (surface area divided by dry root weight) of a carrot fibrous root system averaged 1500–2000 cm² g^-1. Root length to weight ratios of 250–350 m g^-1 effectively compare with the ratios of other species.Fibrous root growth was stimulated by soil compaction or irrigation to a depth of 30 cm, in both the fine sand and organic soils, suggesting better soil water supply in compacted than in loosened soils. Soil compaction increased root diameters more in fine sand than it did in organic soil. Most of the root length in loosened soils (fine sand 90%, organic soil 80%) and compacted soils (fine sand 80%, organic soil 75%) was composed of roots with diameters of approximately 0.15 mm. With respect to dry weight, length, surface area and volume of the fibrous root system, all the measurements gave significant resposes to irrigation and soil compaction. Total root volumes in the 0–50 cm of soil were 4.3 cm³ and 9.8 cm³ in loosened fine sand and organic soils, respectively, and 6.7 cm³ and 13.4 cm³ in compacted sand and organic soils, respectively. In fine sand, irrigation increased the volume from 4.8 to 6.3 cm³.     

Tomato root distribution, yield and fruit quality under subsurface drip irrigation

Tomato rooting patterns were evaluated in a 2-year field trial where surface drip irrigation (R0) was compared with subsurface drip irrigation at 20 cm (RI) and 40 cm (RII) depths. Pot-transplanted plants of two processing tomato, `Brigade' (C1) and `H3044' (C2), were used. The behaviour of the root system in response to different irrigation treatments was evaluated through minirhizotrons installed between two plants, in proximity of the plant row. Root length intensity (L _a), length of root per unit of minirhizotron surface area (cm cm^–2) was measured at blooming stage and at harvest. For all sampling dates the depth of the drip irrigation tube, the cultivar and the interaction between treatments did not significantly influence L _a. However differences between irrigation treatments were observed as root distribution along the soil profile and a large concentration of roots at the depth of the irrigation tubes was found. For both surface and subsurface drip irrigation and for both cultivars most of the root system was concentrated in the top 40 cm of the soil profile, where root length density ranged between 0.5 and 1.5 cm cm^–3. Commercial yields (t ha^–1) were 87.6 and 114.2 (R0), 107.5 and 128.1 (RI), 105.0 and 124.8 (RII), for 1997 and 1998, respectively. Differences between the 2 years may be attributed to different climatic conditions. In the second year, although no significant differences were found among treatments, slightly higher values were observed with irrigation tubes at 20 cm depth. Fruit quality was not significantly affected by treatments or by the interaction between irrigation tube depth and cultivar.     

The Wageningen Rhizolab — a facility to study soil-root-shoot-atmosphere interactions in crops

Roots in the Wageningen Rhizolab are observed using two methods: (i) non-destructively, using horizontal, glass minirhizotrons at intervals of 14 days between observations; (ii) with destructive sampling using augers on three dates in the season. This paper reports changes with depth and time in root numbers per unit interface area of the minirhizotron tube (number of intersections) of four crop species (wheat, Brussels sprouts, leek and potato). The number of root intersections of Brussels sprouts, wheat and potato declined with depth at any time, whereas leek showed a different pattern because maximum root growth was observed at a depth of 10–20 cm. Root density generally decreased in the following order: Brussels sprouts, wheat, potato and leek. Plots of root length densities, L_rv(cm. cm^-3), obtained by auger sampling, versus the number of intersections showed considerable variation in slope with species, time in the season and year, implying that a single, universal equation to convert minirhizotron observations into volumetric root densities does not exist. Causes of variation in the slopes are discussed. It is concluded that limited auger sampling combined with minirhizotron observations yield adequate quantitative estimates of relevant root properties.     

Temporal and spatial root development of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.)

Row crops are often inefficient in utilizing soil resources. One reason for this appears to be inefficient rooting of the available soil volume. Five experiments were performed to study the temporal and spatial root development of cauliflower (cv. Plana). The crop was grown with 60 cm between rows, and root development was followed in minirhizotrons placed under the crop rows, 15 cm, and 30 cm from the crop rows. Soil was sampled and analyzed for nitrate content at the final harvest and once during growth. In two of the experiments N fertilizer rate was varied and in two of the other experiments two cultivars were compared (cv. Plana and Siria).The rooting depth of cauliflower was found to be linearly related to temperature sum, with a growth rate of 1.02 mm day^-1 °C^-1. Depending on duration of growth this leads to rooting depths at harvest of 85–115 cm. Soil analysis showed that the cauliflower was able to utilize soil nitrogen down to at least 100 cm.With Plana differences in root growth between row and interrow soil were only observed during early growth, but with Siria this difference was maintained until harvest. However, at harvest both cultivars had depleted row and interrow soil nitrate equally efficient. Nitrogen fertilizer did not affect overall root development significantly.The branching frequency of actively branching roots was increased in all soil layers from about 6 to 10 branches cm^-1 by increasing N fertilizer additions from 130 to 290 kg N ha^-1. Increasing N supply increased the number of actively branching roots in the topsoil and reduced it in the subsoil.The average growth rate of the roots was always highest in the newly rooted soil layers, but fell during time. At 74 days after planting very few roots were growing in the upper 60 cm of the soil whereas 70% of the root tips observed in the 80–100 cm soil layer were actively growing. Within each soil layer there was a large variation in growth rate of individual root tips.     

Analysis of root images from auger sampling with a fast procedure: a case of application to sugar beet

Manual line-intersect methods for estimating root length are being progressively replaced by faster and more accurate image analysis procedures. These methods even allow the estimation of some more root parameters (e.g., diameter), but still require preliminary labour-intensive operations. Through a task-specific macro function written in a general-purpose image analysis programme (KS 300 – Zeiss), the processing time of root images was greatly reduced with respect to skeletonisation methods by using a high-precision algorithm (Fibrelength). This has been previously proposed by other authors, and estimates length as a function of perimeter and area of the digital image of roots. One-bit binary images were acquired, aiming at large savings in computer memory, and automatic discrimination of roots against extraneous objects based on their elongation index (perimeter²/area), was performed successfully. Of four tested spatial resolutions (2.9, 5.9, 8.8, 11.8 pixel mm^–1), in clean samples good accuracy in root length estimation was achieved at 11.8 pixel mm^–1, up to a root density of 5 cm cm^–2 on the scanner bed. This resolution is theoretically suitable for representing roots at least 85 m wide. When dealing with uncleaned samples, a thick layer of water was useful in speeding up spreading of roots on the scanner bed and avoiding underestimation of their length due to overlaps with organic debris. A set of fibrous root samples of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris var. saccharifera L.) collected at harvest over two years at Legnaro (NE Italy) was analysed by applying the above procedure. Fertilisation with 100 kg ha^–1 of nitrogen led to higher RLD (root length density in soil) in shallow layers with respect to unfertilised controls, whereas thicker roots were found deeper than 80 cm of soil without nitrogen.     

Fine root demography in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

In perennial forages like alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), repeated herbage removal may alter root production and mortality which, in turn, could affect deposition of fixed N in soil. Our objective was to determine the extent and patterns of fine-diameter root production and loss during the year of alfalfa stand establishment. The experiment was conducted on a loamy sand soil (Udorthentic Haploboroll) in Minnesota, USA, using horizontally installed minirhizotrons placed directly under the seeded rows at 10, 20, and 40 cm depths in four replicate blocks. We seeded four alfalfa germplasms that differed in N₂ fixation capacity and root system architecture: Agate alfalfa, a winter hardy commercially-available cultivar; Ineffective Agate, which is a non-N₂-fixing near isoline of Agate; a new germplasm that has few fibrous roots and strong tap-rooted traits; and a new germplasm that has many fibrous roots and a strongly branched root system architecture. Video images collected biweekly throughout the initial growing season were processed using C-MAP-ROOTS software.More than one-half of all fine roots in the upper 20 cm were produced during the first 7 weeks of growth. Root production was similar among germplasms, except that the highly fibrous, branch-rooted germplasm produced 29% more fine roots at 20 cm than other germplasms. In all germplasms, about 7% of the fine roots at each depth developed into secondarily thickened roots. By the end of the first growing season, greatest fine root mortality had occurred in the uppermost depth (48%), and least occurred at 40 cm (36%). Survival of contemporaneous root cohorts was not related to soil depth in a simple fashion, although all survivorship curves could be described using only five rates of exponential decline. There was a significant reduction in fine root mortality before the first herbage harvest, followed by a pronounced loss (average 22%) of fine roots at the 10- and 20-cm depths in the 2-week period following herbage removal. Median life spans of these early-season cohorts ranged from 58 to 131 days, based on fitted exponential equations. At all depths, fine roots produced in the 4 weeks before harvest (early- to mid-August) tended to have shorter median life spans than early-season cohorts. Similar patterns of fine root mortality did not occur at the second harvest. Germplasms differed in the pattern, but not the ultimate extent, of fine root mortality. Fine root turnover during the first year of alfalfa establishment in this experiment released an estimated 830 kg C ha^–1 and 60 kg N ha^–1, with no differences due to N₂ fixation capacity or root system architecture.     

Root characteristics of selected field crops: Data from the Wageningen Rhizolab (1990–2002)

Since being built in 1990, the rhizotron facility in Wageningen, the Wageningen Rhizolab, has been used for experiments on crops (e.g. Alfalfa, Brussels sprouts, common velvet grass, field bean, fodder radish, leeks, lupins, maize, potato, beetroot, ryegrass, spinach, spring wheat, winter rye and winter wheat). In the experiments, horizontal glass minirhizotron tubes combined with auger sampling were used to assess rooting characteristics. For this paper we took the root data from these experiments and looked for a general relationship between thermal time/time after planting and rooting depth, the velocity of the root front and root proliferation. For certain depths (fixed by the depth at which the horizontal minirhizotrons were installed) a simple linear regression was established between the average root number per cm² minirhizotron surface area and thermal time after planting. The compartments selected for each crop were those in which there had been a control treatment and/or in which conditions for rooting were considered to be optimal. We performed regression analyses per compartment and per depth, but only for the period after planting in which a linear increase of root numbers vs. thermal time was observed. After averaging the results, the regression procedure yielded two parameters of rooting for each crop: (a) the actual or thermal time at which the first root appeared at a certain depth and (b) the root proliferation rate after the first root had appeared. In this way, inherent crop differences in rooting behaviour (rooting depth and root proliferation) became apparent. For each crop, the velocity of the root front after planting could be established (calculated in cm(°C day)^–1). This parameter differed greatly between crops. Some crops (such as leeks and common velvet grass) explored the soil profile slowly: the root front moved at a velocity of only 0.07cm(°C day)^–1. Among the crops whose roots grew down much faster (0.18–0.26cm (°C day)^–1) were cereals and fodder radish. For a day with an average temperature of 15°C these rates would have corresponded with the root front travelling approximately 1–4cm per day. In the crops studied the root front velocity did not correlate with the root proliferation rate.     

Root distribution,standing crop biomass and belowground productivity in a semidesert in México

In a semidesert community in México (Zapotitlán de las Salinas, Puebla) the vertical distribution of roots and root biomass was estimated at 0–100 cm depth on two sampling dates, November 1995 (wet season) and January 1998 (dry season). Root productivity at 7 to 14.5 cm depth was estimated with the in-growth core technique every two months from March 1996 to February 1998. The relationship between environmental factors and seasonal root productivity was analyzed. Finally, we tested the effect of an irrigation equivalent to 20 mm of rain on root production. Seventy four percent of the total number of roots were found at 0-40 cm depth. Very fine roots (<1 mm diameter) were found throughout the soil profile (0-100 cm). In contrast, fine roots (1-3 mm diameter) were found only from 0–90 cm depth, and coarse roots (>3 mm diameter) from 0–60 cm depth. The root biomass was 971.5 g m^–2 (S.D. = 557.39), the very fine and fine roots representing 62.9% of the total. Total root productivity, as estimated with the ingrowth core technique, was 0.031 Mg ha^–1 over the dry season and 0.315 Mg ha^–1 over the wet season. Only very fine roots were obtained at all sampling dates. Rainfall was significantly correlated with very fine root production. The difference between fine root production in non-watered (0.054 g m^–2) and watered (0.429 g m^–2) treatments was significant. The last value was the same as that predicted for a rain of 20 mm, according to the exponential model describing the relation between the production of very fine roots and rainfall at the site.     

Production and diurnal utilization of assimilates in leaves of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Rates of CO₂ fixation during the light period and the rates of CO₂ release during the night period were measured using mature leaves from 39- to 49-d-old spinach (Spinacia oleracea L., US Hybrid 424; grown in 9 h light, 15 h darkness, daily) and mature leaves from 21-d-old barley (Hordeum vulgare L., cv. Apex; grown in 14 h light, 10 h darkness, daily). At certain times during the light and dark periods leaves were harvested for assay of their contents of soluble carbohydrates, starch, malate and the various amino acids. Evaluation of the results of these measurements shows that in spinach and barley leaves 46% and 26%, respectively, of the carbon assimilated during the light period is deposited in the leaves for export during the night period. Taking into account the carbon consumption in the source leaves by dark respiration, it is evaluated that rates of assimilate export during the light period from spinach and barley leaves [38 and 42 atom C · (mg Chl)^–1 · h^–1] are reduced in the dark period to 16 atom C · (mg Chl)^–1 · h^–1 in both species. The calculated C/N ratios of the photoassimilates exported during the dark period were 0.029 and 0.015 for spinach and barley leaves, respectively.This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. We thank Dr. Dieter Heineke for stimulating discussions and Mrs. Petra Hoferichter and Mrs. Marita Feldkämper for their technical assistance.     

Evaluating minirhizotron estimates of fine root longevity and production in the forest floor of a temperate broadleaf forest

The minirhizotron technique (MR) for in situ measurement of fine root dynamics offers the opportunity to obtain accurate and unbiased estimates of root production in perennial vegetation only if MR tubes do not affect the longevity of fine roots. Assuming fine root biomass is near steady-state, fine root production (g m^–2 yr^–1) can be estimated as the ratio of fine root biomass (g m^–2) to median fine root longevity (yr). This study evaluates the critical question of whether MR access tubes affect the longevity of fine roots, by comparing fine root survivorship obtained using MR with those from a non-intrusive in situ screen method in the forest floor horizons of a northern hardwood forest in New Hampshire, USA. Fine root survivorship was measured in 380 root screens during 1993–1997 and in six horizontal minirhizotron tubes during 1996–1997. No statistically significant difference was found between estimates of survivorship of fine roots (<1 mm dia.) at this site from MR versus from in situ screens, suggesting that MR tubes do not substantially affect fine root longevity in the forest floor of this northern hardwood forest and providing greater confidence in measurements of fine root production using the MR technique. Furthermore, the methodology for estimating fine root production from MR longevity data was evaluated by comparison of fine root longevity and production estimates made using single vs. multiple root cohorts, and using root-number, root-length, and root-mass weighted methods. Our results indicate that fine root-length longevity estimates based on multiple root cohorts throughout the year can be used to approximate fine root biomass production. Using this method, we estimated fine root longevity and production in the forest floor at this site to be 314 days (or 0.86 yr) and 303 g m^–2 yr^–1, respectively. Fine root production in this northern hardwood forest is approximately equivalent to standing biomass and was previously underestimated by root in-growth cores. We conclude that the use of MR to estimate fine root longevity and production as outlined here may result in improved estimates of fine root production in perennial vegetation.     

Sorghum root length density and the potential for avoiding striga parasitism

Striga hermonthica is a serious root parasite of sorghum in the semiarid tropics. Successful parasitism is dependent on interactions of Striga seeds and host roots. Several sorghum cultivars have been found which resist parasitism. The basis of resistance is not well known. One possible method for reducing the chances of parasitism is by restricted host root development. This research was conducted to evaluate this hypothesis in sorghum known to possess resistance to parasitism by Striga.Root length density of 21-day-old pot-grown resistant cultivars, Framida, N-13, IS-9830, Tetron and P-967083, were compared to that of the susceptible check, Dabar, using the line intercept method of measuring root length. There was no significant difference between resistant cultivars and the susceptible cultivar Dabar. The RLD of resistant P-967083 however was significantly less than Framida, another resistant cultivar.The RLD of Dabar was compared to that of Framida and P-967083 in USA and Niger field trials. Root length density was determined on soil cores taken at flowering with a Giddings Soil Sampler. Each core was divided into 10-cm fractions for estimating RLD by the line intercept method. In the USA Dabar had significantly greater RLD than the two resistant cultivars in the upper 10-cm portion of the soil profile, but only significantly greater than P-967083 in the 10–20-cm portion. Significant differences in RLD between susceptible and resistant cultivars were not found at depths between 20–60 cm. In field trials in Niger, RLD of Dabar was significantly greater than either resistant cultivar in the (0 to 30 cm) portion of the soil core. These results suggest that part of the Striga resistance of P-967083 and perhaps Framida may be a result of avoiding interactions between parasitic seeds and host roots.     

Root growth and distribution of two short-season rice genotypes

Root growth dynamics of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) throughout the growing season are poorly understood. A field experiment was conducted in 1987 to compare root growth and distribution of two rice genotypes at two Arkansas locations on soils with different physical and chemical properties. Two genotypes, Bond and an experimental line (RU8701084), were grown on a Captina silt loam (Typic Fragiudults) at Fayetteville, AR, and on a Crowley silt loam (Typic Albaqualfs) near Stuttgart, Ar. Plots contained minirhizotrons oriented at a 45° angle and extended 55 cm (Captina) and 40 cm (Crowley) vertical to the soil surface. Root measurements were taken several times during the season at specific growth stages. Plant height and tiller number were taken at 9 dates at Fayetteville up to physiological maturity. In general, root length (RL) and root length density (RLD) were greater on the Captina soil. Genotypes at both locations reached maximum root growth rates between active tillering and panicle initiation (PI) and maximum RL by early reproduction. Total RL were similar between genotypes on the Captina. However on the Crowley, the mean RL for Bond between the period of early booting and flood removal was an average of 54% greater than for RU8701084. During early reproductive growth at both locations RL plateaued, but then declined during the grain filling process. There was a trend for RU8701084 to contain a greater percentage of its total RL in the top 20 and 10 cm of soil on the Captina and Crowley, respectively, while Bond tended to be a deeper rooted genotype. Bond had a greater RLD at the 20–30 cm depth increment on the Crowley, which contributed to the greater RL. Less than 15% of the total RL of either genotype was measured below 30 cm on the Crowley. In contrast, nearly 25% of the total RL was found at the 30–40 cm depth increment on the Captina. Results showed that rice root growth varied between soils, that root distribution patterns differed between genotypes, and that patterns of root growth changed with changes in plant development.     

Seasonal dynamics of fine root biomass, root length density, specific root length, and soil resource availability in a Larix gmelinii plantation

Fine root turnover is a major pathway for carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and is most likely sensitive to many global change factors. Despite the importance of fine root turnover in plant C allocation and nutrient cycling dynamics and the tremendous research efforts in the past, our understanding of it remains limited. This is because the dynamics processes associated with soil resources availability are still poorly understood. Soil moisture, temperature, and available nitrogen are the most important soil characteristics that impact fine root growth and mortality at both the individual root branch and at the ecosystem level. In temperate forest ecosystems, seasonal changes of soil resource availability will alter the pattern of carbon allocation to belowground. Therefore, fine root biomass, root length density (RLD) and specific root length (SRL) vary during the growing season. Studying seasonal changes of fine root biomass, RLD, and SRL associated with soil resource availability will help us understand the mechanistic controls of carbon to fine root longevity and turnover. The objective of this study was to understand whether seasonal variations of fine root biomass, RLD and SRL were associated with soil resource availability, such as moisture, temperature, and nitrogen, and to understand how these soil components impact fine root dynamics in Larix gmelinii plantation. We used a soil coring method to obtain fine root samples (⩽2 mm in diameter) every month from May to October in 2002 from a 17-year-old L. gmelinii plantation in Maoershan Experiment Station, Northeast Forestry University, China. Seventy-two soil cores (inside diameter 60 mm; depth intervals: 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20–30 cm) were sampled randomly from three replicates 25 m × 30 m plots to estimate fine root biomass (live and dead), and calculate RLD and SRL. Soil moisture, temperature, and nitrogen (ammonia and nitrates) at three depth intervals were also analyzed in these plots. Results showed that the average standing fine root biomass (live and dead) was 189.1 g·m⁻²·a⁻¹, 50% (95.4 g·m⁻²·a⁻¹) in the surface soil layer (0–10 cm), 33% (61.5 g·m⁻²·a⁻¹), 17% (32.2 g·m⁻²·a⁻¹) in the middle (10–20 cm) and deep layer (20–30cm), respectively. Live and dead fine root biomass was the highest from May to July and in September, but lower in August and October. The live fine root biomass decreased and dead biomass increased during the growing season. Mean RLD (7,411.56 m·m⁻³·a⁻¹) and SRL (10.83 m·g⁻¹·a⁻¹) in the surface layer were higher than RLD (1 474.68 m·m⁻³·a⁻¹) and SRL (8.56 m·g⁻¹·a⁻¹) in the deep soil layer. RLD and SRL in May were the highest (10 621.45 m·m⁻³ and 14.83m·g⁻¹) compared with those in the other months, and RLD was the lowest in September (2 198.20 m·m⁻³) and SRL in October (3.77 m·g⁻¹). Seasonal dynamics of fine root biomass, RLD, and SRL showed a close relationship with changes in soil moisture, temperature, and nitrogen availability. To a lesser extent, the temperature could be determined by regression analysis. Fine roots in the upper soil layer have a function of absorbing moisture and nutrients, while the main function of deeper soil may be moisture uptake rather than nutrient acquisition. Therefore, carbon allocation to roots in the upper soil layer and deeper soil layer was different. Multiple regression analysis showed that variation in soil resource availability could explain 71–73% of the seasonal variation of RLD and SRL and 58% of the variation in fine root biomass. These results suggested a greater metabolic activity of fine roots living in soil with higher resource availability, which resulted in an increased allocation of carbohydrate to these roots, but a lower allocation of carbohydrate to those in soil with lower resource availability. __________ Translated from Acta Phytoecologica Sinica, 2005, 29(3): 403–410 [译自: 植物生态学报, 2005, 29(3): 403–410]     

Root distribution of grapefruit trees under dry granular broadcast vs. fertigation method

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization methods on root distribution and mineral element concentrations of White Marsh grapefruit (Citrus paradisi MacFadyen) trees on sour orange (C. aurantium Lush) rootstock on a poorly drained soil. At 0–15 cm depth of soil, root density was significantly greater for trees receiving 112 kg N ha^-1 yr^-1 as dry granular broadcast than those receiving the same amount of N as fertigation. Of the total roots in the top 60 cm soil, >75% was at 0–15 cm and <10% was at 30–60 cm. Root density was greatest near the emitter. Nitrogen concentration of roots was greater for the trees which received fertigation as compared to the trees which received dry fertilizer broadcast or no N.