| Abstract: | This paper describes a technique for observing root growth inthe field using glass tubes and a periscope. Roots of two crops(winter wheat and millet) were studied in situ with the periscopeand the results compared with those obtained from washed soilsamples. Generally, both techniques gave similar patterns ofgrowth and distributions of roots although the periscope measurements,when compared with washed soil samples, tended to underestimateroot density close to the soil surface and overestimate densitieslower in the profile. Both methods allowed differences in theroot systems of irrigated and unirrigated crops to be distinguishedbut the periscope method was considerably faster |
