Water transport at the root/soil interface of 1 year old Pinus sylvestris Linn. var. sylvestriformis (Takenouchi) Cheng et C. D. Chu seedlings under CO 2 doubling was studied by measuring soil electric conductanc...Water transport at the root/soil interface of 1 year old Pinus sylvestris Linn. var. sylvestriformis (Takenouchi) Cheng et C. D. Chu seedlings under CO 2 doubling was studied by measuring soil electric conductance to survey soil water profiles and comparing it with root distribution surveyed by soil coring and root harvesting in Changbai Mountain in 1999. The results were: (1) The profiles of soil water content were adjusted by root activity. The water content of the soil layer with abundant roots was higher. (2) When CO 2 concentration was doubled, water transport was more active at the root/soil interface and the roots were distributed into deeper layer. It was shown in this work that the method of measuring electric conductance is an inexpensive, non_destructive and relatively sensitive way for underground water transport process.展开更多
Roots play an important role in stabilizing and strengthening soil. This article aims to study the mechanical properties of the interface between soil and roots with branches, using the pullout test method in the labo...Roots play an important role in stabilizing and strengthening soil. This article aims to study the mechanical properties of the interface between soil and roots with branches, using the pullout test method in the laboratory. The mechanical properties of the soil-root with branches interface is determined through the pullout-force and root-slippage curve （F-S curve）. The results of investigating 24 Pinus tabulaeformis single roots and 55 P. tabulaeformis roots with branches demonstrated three kinds of pullout test failures： breakage failure on branching root, breakage failure on branching node, and pullout failure. The branch angle had a remarkable effect on the failure mode of the roots with branches： the maximum pullout force increased with the sum of the branch diameters and the branch angle. The peak slippage and the initial force had a positive correlation with the sum of the branch diameter. The sig- nificance test of correlation between branch angle and the initial force, however, showed they had no correlation. Branch angle and branch root diameter affect the anchorage properties between root system and soil. Therefore, it is important to investigate the anchorage mechanics of the roots with branches to understand the mechanism of root reinforcement and anchorage.展开更多
Effects of root penetration restriction on the growth and Mn nutrition of different wheat genotypes were studied in paddy soils using a method of nylon net bags (400 mesh) buried in the soil. The results showed that t...Effects of root penetration restriction on the growth and Mn nutrition of different wheat genotypes were studied in paddy soils using a method of nylon net bags (400 mesh) buried in the soil. The results showed that the spatial distribution of Mn in paddy soils played an important role in the growth and Mn nutrition of wheat crops. In the treatment where wheat roots were restricted in the plough layer by nylon net bags, the symptoms of Mn deficiency in wheat occurred much earlier and more seriously than usual. Of the two tested wheat genotypes, 80-8 was tolerant to Mn deficiency while 3295 was sensitive to Mn deficiency, respectively. The restriction of root penetration intensified symptoms of Mn deficiency of the Mn-deficient sensitive genotype (3295). The experiment demonstrated that well-developed roots with a strong ability to penetrate into the Mn-rich deep soil layer might explain the better tolerance of Mn deficiency in the tolerant genotypes.展开更多
The effects of maize root exudates and low-molecular-weight-organic anions （LMWOAs） on the desorption of phenanthrene from eight artificially contaminated soils were evaluated. A significant negative correlation was...The effects of maize root exudates and low-molecular-weight-organic anions （LMWOAs） on the desorption of phenanthrene from eight artificially contaminated soils were evaluated. A significant negative correlation was observed between the amounts of phenanthrene desorbed and the soil organic carbon （SOC） contents （P 〈 0.01）, and the influences of soil pH and clay content on phenanthrene desorption were insignificant （P 〉 0.1）. Neither maize root exudates nor oxalate and citrate anions influenced desorption of phenanthrene with the addition of NaN3. A faster phenanthrene desorption occurred without the addition of NaN3 in the presence of maize root exudates than oxalate or citrate due to the enhanced degradation by root exudates. Without the addition of NAN3, oxalate or citrate at different concentrations could inhibit phenanthrene desorption to different extents and the inhibiting effect by citrate was more significant than by oxalate. This study leads to the conclusion that maize root exudates can not enhance the desorption under abiotic condition with the addition of NaN3 and can promote the desorption of phenanthrene in soils without the addition of NaN3.展开更多
The importance of roots in soil conservation has long been underestimated due to a lack of sys-tematic studies conducted to evaluate root dis-tribution patterns and their effects on soil ero-sion. Current knowledge re...The importance of roots in soil conservation has long been underestimated due to a lack of sys-tematic studies conducted to evaluate root dis-tribution patterns and their effects on soil ero-sion. Current knowledge regarding root mor-phology and its impact on soil erosion by water is limited;therefore, detailed analysis of the role that root systems play in controlling soil ero-sion is needed. In this study, stratified runoff scouring at different soil depths in the field was conducted in a grassland area. The results in-dicated that both root biomass and soil wa-ter-stable aggregates decreased as soil depth increased at all three sites, while there was al-most no change in soil bulk density at 1.3g/cm3. Sediment yields under different runoff dis-charge at different sites showed similar trends, and the sediment yield increased as the soil depth increased at all three sites. Further analysis revealed that close relationships ex-isted between root biomass and the amount of water-stable aggregates and soil organic matter content, and that these factors greatly influ-enced soil erosion. Based on the data generated by the experiment, equations describing the relationship between sediment production at different soil depths and root biomass were determined.展开更多
Low pH is a major limiting factor for the production of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Hainan province. Black pepper gardens often exhibit a decrease in soil pH (to 5.5 - 5.0) on orchards with a multi-year producti...Low pH is a major limiting factor for the production of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Hainan province. Black pepper gardens often exhibit a decrease in soil pH (to 5.5 - 5.0) on orchards with a multi-year production history. An exploratory hydroponic experiment was conducted to examine the effects of increasingly acid nutrient solution pH (7.0, 5.5, 4.0, and 3.5) on seedling growth, tissue nutrient concentrations and root morphological traits. The results indicated that low pH may directly inhibit root development and function, limit K, Ca and Mg absorption and reduce seedling growth. At pH 5.5, black pepper attained maximum growth, while the minimum growth occurred at pH 3.5. It can be concluded that low pH reduces plant growth and is associated with low root nutrient concentrations of Ca and Mg, which may explain the decline of the yield in the seven pepper gardens of the Institute.展开更多
Soil drying may induce a number of stresses on crops. This paper investigated maize（Zea mays L.） root growth as affected by drought and soil penetration resistance（PR）, which was caused by soil drying and tillage ...Soil drying may induce a number of stresses on crops. This paper investigated maize（Zea mays L.） root growth as affected by drought and soil penetration resistance（PR）, which was caused by soil drying and tillage in a clayey red soil. Compared with conventional tillage（C） and deep tillage（D）, soil compaction（P） and no-till（N） significantly increased soil PR in the 0-15 cm layer. The PR increased dramatically as the soil drying increased, particularly in soil with a high bulk density. Increased soil PR reduced the maize root mass density distribution not only in the vertical profile（0-20 cm） but also in the horizontal layer at the same distance（0-5, 5-10, 10-15 cm） from the maize plant. With an increase in soil PR in pots, the maize root length, root surface area and root volume significantly decreased. Specifically, the maize root length declined exponentially from 309 to 64 cm per plant with an increase in soil PR from 491 to 3 370 k Pa; the roots almost stopped elongating when the soil PR was larger than 2 200 k Pa. It appeared that fine roots（〈2.5 mm in diameter） thickened when the soil PR increased, resulting in a larger average root diameter. The average root diameter increased linearly with soil PR, regardless of soil irrigation or drought. The results suggest that differences in soil PR caused by soil drying is most likely responsible for inconsistent root responses to water stress in different soils.展开更多
The standard cultivation system in the North China Plain is double cropping of winter wheat and summer maize. The main effects of this cultivation system on root development and yield are decreases in soil nutrient co...The standard cultivation system in the North China Plain is double cropping of winter wheat and summer maize. The main effects of this cultivation system on root development and yield are decreases in soil nutrient content and depth of the plow layer under either long-term no-tillage or rotary tillage before winter wheat sowing and no tillage before summer maize sowing. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of tillage practices before winter wheat and summer maize sowing on soil properties and root growth and distribution in summer maize. Zhengdan 958(ZD958) was used as experimental material, with three tillage treatments: rotary tillage before winter wheat sowing and no tillage before summer maize sowing(RTW + NTM), moldboard plowing before winter wheat sowing and no tillage before summer maize sowing(MPW + NTM), and moldboard plowing before winter wheat sowing and rotary tillage before summer maize sowing(MPW + RTM).Tillage practice showed a significant(P < 0.05) effect on grain yield of summer maize. Grain yields under MPW + RTM and MPW + NTM were 30.6% and 24.0% higher, respectively, than that under RTW + NTM. Soil bulk density and soil penetration resistance decreased among tillage systems in the order RTW + NTM > MPW + NTM > MPW + RTM. Soil bulk densities were 3.3% and 515% lower in MPW + NTM and MPW + RTM, respectively, than that in RTW + NTM, and soil penetration resistances were respectively 17.8% and 20.4% lower,across growth stages and soil depths. Root dry matter and root length density were highest under MPW + RTM, with the resulting increased root activity leading to a yield increase of summer maize. Thus the marked effects of moldboard plowing before winter-wheat sowing on root length density, soil penetration resistance, and soil bulk density may contribute to higher yield.展开更多
Through field experiment,we explore the impact of long-term drip fertigation on growth and distribution of lychee root and changes of soil pH in different layers of soil in lychee garden.The results show that drip fer...Through field experiment,we explore the impact of long-term drip fertigation on growth and distribution of lychee root and changes of soil pH in different layers of soil in lychee garden.The results show that drip fertigation can significantly promote the growth of lychee roots,and increase the contact area of root and soil;if it experiences six years of drip fertigation successively,the dry weight of root,root length and surface area of root in soil in drip fertigation area,will be 2.29 times,2.17 times and 2.25 times that in non-drip fertigation area,respectively.The lychee root is mainly distributed in 0-40 cm layer of soil,but there is conspicuous difference between drip fertigation area and non-drip fertigation area in terms of root distribution in 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm layer of soil.Drip fertigation is more favorable for the root to go deep inside the soil.Under long-term drip fertigation,the soil acidification in lychee garden is prominent,and in comparison with non-drip fertigation area,there is the greatest decline in soil pH in 10-20 cm layer of soil in drip fertigation area,reaching 1.47 units.展开更多
To characterize effects of plant roots on preferential flow（PF）,we measured root length density（RLD）and root biomass（RB） in Jiufeng National Forest Park,Beijing,China.Comparisons were made for RLD and RB between...To characterize effects of plant roots on preferential flow（PF）,we measured root length density（RLD）and root biomass（RB） in Jiufeng National Forest Park,Beijing,China.Comparisons were made for RLD and RB between soil preferential pathways and soil matrices.RLD and RB declined with the increasing soil depth（0–10,10–20,20–30,30–40,40–50,50–60 cm） in all experimental plots.RLD was greater in soil preferential pathways than in the surrounding soil matrix and was 69.5,75.0 and72.2 % for plant roots of diameter（d） ／1,1 ／ d ／ 3 and3 ／ d ／ 5 mm,respectively.Fine root systems had the most pivotal influence on soil preferential flow in this forest ecosystem.In all experimental plots,RB content was the sum of RB from soil preferential pathways and the soil matrix in each soil depth.With respect to 6 soil depth gradient（0–10,10–20,20–30,30–40,40–50,50–60 cm） in each plot,the number of soil depth gradient that RB content was greater in soil preferential pathways than in the soil matrix was characterized,and the proportion was68.2 % in all plots.展开更多
To reveal the period and after-effect of soil water stress on winter wheat, the article employs the experiment results carried out in the greenhouse. The results showed that the root-restricted weights varied with str...To reveal the period and after-effect of soil water stress on winter wheat, the article employs the experiment results carried out in the greenhouse. The results showed that the root-restricted weights varied with stress degrees and stress times during and after water stressing. In the course of stress, the chief reason resticting the weight of root was the stress intensity at this time, and that of severe stress treatment was larger than that of mild stress treatment. After water stress was relieved, the results of the after-effect of soil water stress on root growth were that, the stress intensity of short-time and mild stress was larger than that of long-time and severe stress. Comparing two-stage stress intensities, root-restricted weight resulted from after-effect intensity of stress under all of the short-time treatment, and the mild and the long-time stress treatments, while that resulted from the period stress intensity under the severe and the long-time stress treatments. In general, the effects of water stress on root were attributed to the three factors, a formed basis in the previous stage, the after-effect of water condition before this stage and influence of water in this stage, which lead to the characters of root in the whole growth stage.展开更多
Root function in uptake of nutrients and the effect of soil water on the transfer and distribution of NO3^--N in arable soil were studied using summer maize （Zea mays L. var. Shandan 9） as a testing crop. Results sh...Root function in uptake of nutrients and the effect of soil water on the transfer and distribution of NO3^--N in arable soil were studied using summer maize （Zea mays L. var. Shandan 9） as a testing crop. Results showed that root growth and water supply had a significant effect on NO3^--N transfer and made NO3^--N distributed evenly from bulk soil to rhizosphere soil. Under a natural condition with irrigation, the difference of NO3^--N concentration at different distance points from a maize plant was smaller, while obvious difference of NO3^--N concentration was observed under conditions of limited root growth space without irrigation. Whether root growth space was restricted or not, the content of soil NO3^--N decreased gradually from 10 to 0 cm from the plant, being opposite to the root absorbing area in soils. When root-grown space was limited, changes of NO3^--N concentration at different distances from a plant were similar to that of water content in tendency. Results showed that NO3^--N could be transferred as solute to plant root systems with water uptake by plants. However, the transfer and distribution of NH4^--N were not influenced by root growth and soil water supply, being different to NO3^--N.展开更多
The relation between soil water content and the growth of cotton root was studied for the scheme of field water and cotton yield under mulched drip irrigation. Based on the field experiments, three treatments of soil ...The relation between soil water content and the growth of cotton root was studied for the scheme of field water and cotton yield under mulched drip irrigation. Based on the field experiments, three treatments of soil water content were conducted with 90%, 75%θf, and 60%θf （θfis field water capacity）. Cotton roots and root-shoot ratio were studied with digging method, and the soil moisture was observed with TDR （time domain reflector）, and cotton yield was measured. The results indicated that the growth of cotton root accorded with Logistic growth curve in the three treatments, the cotton root grew quickly and its weight was very high under 75%θf because of the suitable soil water condition, while grew slowly and its weight was lower under 90%θf due to water moisture beyond the suitable condition, and the root weight was in between under 60%θf For the three water treatments, the cotton root weight decreased with soil depth, and decreased more significantly in deeper soil layer with the soil moisture increasing. And the ratio of cotton root weight in 0-30 cm soil layer to the total root weight was the highest under 75%θf. The cotton root system was distributed mainly in the soil of narrow row and wide row mulched with plastic film, and little in the soil outside plastic film. The weight of cotton root was the highest in the soil of narrow row or wide row mulched with plastic film under 75%θf. Root-shoot ratio decreased with the soil moisture increasing. The soil water content affected cotton yields, and cotton yield was the highest under 75%θf. The higher soil moisture level is unfavorable to the growth of cotton root system and yield of cotton under mulched drip irrigation.展开更多
Effects of soil moisture on cotton root length density (total root length per unit soil volume) and yield under drip irrigation with plastic mulch were studied through field experiments. The results indicate that spat...Effects of soil moisture on cotton root length density (total root length per unit soil volume) and yield under drip irrigation with plastic mulch were studied through field experiments. The results indicate that spatial distributions of root length density of cotton under various water treatments were basically similar. Horizontally, both root length densities of cotton in wide and narrow rows were similar, and higher than that between mulches. Vertically, root length density of cotton decreased with increasing soil depth. The distribution of root length density is different under different irrigation treatments. In conditions of over-irrigation, the root length density of cotton between mulches would increase. However, it would decrease in both the wide rows and narrow rows. The mean root length density of cotton increased with increasing irrigation water. Water stress caused the root length density to increase in lower soil layers. There is a significant correlation between root length density and yields of cotton at the flower-boll and wadding stages. The regression between irrigation amount and yield of cotton can be expressed as y = -0.0026x2+18.015x-24845 (R2 = 0.959). It showed that the irrigation volume of 3,464.4 m3/hm2 led to op-timal root length density. The yield of cotton was 6,360 .8 kg/hm2 under that amount of irrigation.展开更多
The dynamic relationship of dry matter accumulation and distribution between winter wheat root and shoot was studied under different soil water conditions. The dry matter accumulation in root was greatly influenced by...The dynamic relationship of dry matter accumulation and distribution between winter wheat root and shoot was studied under different soil water conditions. The dry matter accumulation in root was greatly influenced by water stress, so as to the final root weight of the treatment with 40% field moisture capacity(FMC) was less than 1/4 of that of the treatment with 80% FMC on average. Water stress during the 3-leaf stage to the tillering stage had the greatest influence on root, and the influence of water stress during the jointing stage to the booting stage on shoot was greater than root. However, water stress during the tillering stage to the booting stage had a balanced effect on root and shoot, and the proportion of dry matter that distributed to root and shoot was almost the same after rewatering. Water recovery during the jointing stage to booting stage could promote R/S, but the increasing degree was related to the duration of water limitation. Soil water condition had the lowest effect on R/S during the flowering stage to the filling stage and the maximal effect on R/S during the jointing stage to the heading stage, R/S of 40% FMC treatment was 20.93 and 126.09% higher than that of 60% FMC and 80% FMC treatments respectively at this period.展开更多
Deep phosphorus application can be a usefull measure to improve crops＇ performance in semi-arid regions, but more knowledge of both its general effects and effects on specific crops is required to optimize treatments...Deep phosphorus application can be a usefull measure to improve crops＇ performance in semi-arid regions, but more knowledge of both its general effects and effects on specific crops is required to optimize treatments. Thus, the aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of phosphorus（P） application at different soil layers on root growth, grain yield, and water-use efficiency（WUE） of winter wheat grown on the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China and to explore the relationship between root distribution and grain yield. The experiment consisted of four P treatments in a randomized complete block design with three replicates and two cultivars： one drought-sensitive（Xiaoyan 22, XY22） and one drought-tolerant（Changhan 58, CH58）. The four P treatments were no P（control, CK）, surface P（SP）, deep P（DP）, and deep-band P application（DBP）. CH58 produced larger and deeper root systems, and had higher grain yields and WUE, under the deep P treatments（DP and DBP） than under SP, clearly showing that deep P placement had beneficial effects on the drought-tolerant cultivar. In contrast, the grain yield and root growth of XY22 did not differ between DP or DBP and SP treatments. Further, root dry weight（RW） and root length（RL） in deep soil layer（30-100 cm） were closely positively correlated with grain yield and WUE of CH58（but not XY22）, highlighting the connections between a well-developed subsoil root system and both high grain yield and WUE for the drought-tolerant cultivar. WUE correlated strongly with grain yield for both cultivars（r=0.94, P〈0.001）. In conclusion, deep application of P fertilizer is a practical and feasible means of increasing grain yield and WUE of rainfed winter wheat in semi-arid regions, by promoting deep root development of drought-tolerant cultivars.展开更多
The equilibrium between root, shoot and growth stability under different soil water conditions were investigated in a tube experiment of winter wheat. The water supplying treatments included： sufficient irrigation at...The equilibrium between root, shoot and growth stability under different soil water conditions were investigated in a tube experiment of winter wheat. The water supplying treatments included： sufficient irrigation at whole growth phase, moderate deficiency irrigation at whole growth phase, serious deficiency irrigation at whole growth phase, sufficient irrigation at jointing stage, tillering stage, flowering stage, and fillering respectively, after moderate and serious water deficit during their previous growth stage. Root and shoot biomass were measured. On the basis of the cooperative root-shoot interactions model, the equilibrium and growth stability were studied on the strength of the kinetics system theory. There was only one varying equilibrium point between the root and shoot over the life time of the winter wheat plant. Water stress prolonged the duration of stable growth, the more serious the water deficit, the longer the period of stable growth. The duration of stable growth was shortened and that of unstable growth was prolonged after water recovery. The growth behavior of the plants exposed to moderate water deficit shifted from stable to unstable until the end of the growth, after rewatering at flowering. In the life-time of the crop, the root and shoot had been adjusting themselves in structure and function so as to maintain an equilibrium, but could not achieve the equilibrium state for long. They were always in an unbalanced state from the beginning to the end of growth. This was the essence of root-shoot equilibrium. Water stress inhibited the function of root and shoot, reduced root shoot interactions, and as a result, the plant growth gradually tended to stabilize. Rewatering enhanced root shoot interactions, prolonged duration of instable growth. Rewatering at flowering could upset the inherent relativity during the long time of stable growth from flowering to filling stage, thus leading to unstable growth and enhanced dry matter accumulating rate in the whole plant.展开更多
Erratic rainfalls and rise in temperature have become more frequent under the changing scenario of climate particularly in semiarid tropics. As a consequence of it, a drastic shift of chickpea diseases have been recor...Erratic rainfalls and rise in temperature have become more frequent under the changing scenario of climate particularly in semiarid tropics. As a consequence of it, a drastic shift of chickpea diseases have been recorded throughout the major chickpea growing regions in India and elsewhere. Dry root rot (DRR) caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola (Taub.) Butler [Pycnidial stage: Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid] was found as a potentially emerging constraint to chickpea production than wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris). Increasing incidence of DRR indicate strong influence of climate change variables such as temperature and moisture on the development of disease. The present study therefore was conducted to quantify the role of temperature and soil moisture associated with infection, colonization and development of DRR under controlled environment. The DRR incidence was significantly affected by high temperature and soil moisture deficit. Out of five temperature regimes (15?C, 20?C, 25?C, 30?C and 35?C) and four moisture levels (40%, 60%, 80% and 100%), a combination of high temperature (35?C) and soil moisture content (60%) predisposes chickpea to DRR. The study clearly demonstrates that high temperature coupled with soil moisture deficit is the climate change variables predisposing chickpea to R. bataticola infection, colonization and development.展开更多
Vegetation roots contribute to soil fixation and reinforcement, thus improving soil resistance against erosion. Generally, the amount of soil fixation presented by roots mainly depends on root density and tensile stre...Vegetation roots contribute to soil fixation and reinforcement, thus improving soil resistance against erosion. Generally, the amount of soil fixation presented by roots mainly depends on root density and tensile strength. In the present study, we conducted the research in order to further understand the biotechnical properties of Haloxylon persicum and also to quantify its role in increasing soil cohesion in arid lands of Iran. Ten H. persicum shrubs were randomly selected for root distribution and strength investigations, in which five samples were set on flat terrain and other five samples on a moderate slope terrain. The profile trench method was used to assess the root area ratio(RAR) as the index of root density and distribution. Two profiles were dug around each sample, up and downslope for sloped treatment and north and south sides for flat treatment. The results showed that RAR increased with increasing soil depth and significantly decreased in 40–50 cm layers of downhill(0.320%) and 50–60 cm for uphill(0.210%). The minimum values for the northward and southward profiles were 0.003% and 0.003%, respectively, while the maximum values were 0.260% and 0.040%, respectively. The relationship between the diameter of root samples and root tensile strength followed a negative power function, but tensile force increased with increasing root diameter following a positive power function. The pattern of increased cohesion changes in soil profile was relatively similar to RAR curves. The maximum increased cohesion due to the presence of roots in uphill and downhill sides were 0.470 and 1.400 kPa, respectively. In the flat treatment, the maximum increased cohesions were 0.570 and 0.610 kPa in northward and southward profiles, respectively. The analysis of variance showed that wind and slope induced stresses did not have any significant effect on the amount of increased cohesion of H. persicum. The findings served to develop knowledge about biotechnical properties of H. persicum root system that can assist in assessing the efficiency of afforestation and restoration measures for erosion control in arid lands.展开更多
This paper presents novel approaches to address the complex issues associated with preservation, transportation, and tensile testing of the vegetation root samples needed for the enhancement of soil and prevent erosio...This paper presents novel approaches to address the complex issues associated with preservation, transportation, and tensile testing of the vegetation root samples needed for the enhancement of soil and prevent erosion. Readily availability of no equipment for in-situ assessment of the roots’ contribution to soil strength forces the researchers to transport the root samples to the lab for testing and estimating the contribution to the soil shear strength. Moreover, the standard procedures and apparatuses available in the public domain are regrettably suitable for testing of relatively stiffer materials. Therefore, conducting the tensile test of roots using off-the-shelf equipment often causes premature failure of the soft tissues and produces an erratic result, which ultimately leads to unrealistic soil shear strength. The experimental work replaced the traditional jaw type grips by innovative 3D-printed mold or metal ring with silicone, epoxy, and hot-glue to ensure a minimal degree of damage to the roots. Other scopes of the study include a comparison between fresh and refrigerated samples, the effect of sample storage temperature, pH, and Optimum Effective Root Area (OERA) per unit area of soil. Initial study conducted on the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) roots involved comparison for different approaches based on the gripping technic to select the best method. Finally, the paper included the results of tensile strength test performed on Spartina alterniflora root samples following the suggested guidelines thus helping better evaluation of root embedded soil shear strength, enhancing the resistance against soil erosion, and conserving the ecosystem.展开更多
文摘Water transport at the root/soil interface of 1 year old Pinus sylvestris Linn. var. sylvestriformis (Takenouchi) Cheng et C. D. Chu seedlings under CO 2 doubling was studied by measuring soil electric conductance to survey soil water profiles and comparing it with root distribution surveyed by soil coring and root harvesting in Changbai Mountain in 1999. The results were: (1) The profiles of soil water content were adjusted by root activity. The water content of the soil layer with abundant roots was higher. (2) When CO 2 concentration was doubled, water transport was more active at the root/soil interface and the roots were distributed into deeper layer. It was shown in this work that the method of measuring electric conductance is an inexpensive, non_destructive and relatively sensitive way for underground water transport process.
基金financially supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.YX2010-20)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31570708,No.30901162)the Open Projects Foundation of Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation&Desertification Combat(Beijing Forestry University),Ministry of Education of China(No.201002)
文摘Roots play an important role in stabilizing and strengthening soil. This article aims to study the mechanical properties of the interface between soil and roots with branches, using the pullout test method in the laboratory. The mechanical properties of the soil-root with branches interface is determined through the pullout-force and root-slippage curve （F-S curve）. The results of investigating 24 Pinus tabulaeformis single roots and 55 P. tabulaeformis roots with branches demonstrated three kinds of pullout test failures： breakage failure on branching root, breakage failure on branching node, and pullout failure. The branch angle had a remarkable effect on the failure mode of the roots with branches： the maximum pullout force increased with the sum of the branch diameters and the branch angle. The peak slippage and the initial force had a positive correlation with the sum of the branch diameter. The sig- nificance test of correlation between branch angle and the initial force, however, showed they had no correlation. Branch angle and branch root diameter affect the anchorage properties between root system and soil. Therefore, it is important to investigate the anchorage mechanics of the roots with branches to understand the mechanism of root reinforcement and anchorage.
文摘Effects of root penetration restriction on the growth and Mn nutrition of different wheat genotypes were studied in paddy soils using a method of nylon net bags (400 mesh) buried in the soil. The results showed that the spatial distribution of Mn in paddy soils played an important role in the growth and Mn nutrition of wheat crops. In the treatment where wheat roots were restricted in the plough layer by nylon net bags, the symptoms of Mn deficiency in wheat occurred much earlier and more seriously than usual. Of the two tested wheat genotypes, 80-8 was tolerant to Mn deficiency while 3295 was sensitive to Mn deficiency, respectively. The restriction of root penetration intensified symptoms of Mn deficiency of the Mn-deficient sensitive genotype (3295). The experiment demonstrated that well-developed roots with a strong ability to penetrate into the Mn-rich deep soil layer might explain the better tolerance of Mn deficiency in the tolerant genotypes.
基金supported by the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. kzcx1- yw-06-03)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40730740, 20621703)
文摘The effects of maize root exudates and low-molecular-weight-organic anions （LMWOAs） on the desorption of phenanthrene from eight artificially contaminated soils were evaluated. A significant negative correlation was observed between the amounts of phenanthrene desorbed and the soil organic carbon （SOC） contents （P 〈 0.01）, and the influences of soil pH and clay content on phenanthrene desorption were insignificant （P 〉 0.1）. Neither maize root exudates nor oxalate and citrate anions influenced desorption of phenanthrene with the addition of NaN3. A faster phenanthrene desorption occurred without the addition of NaN3 in the presence of maize root exudates than oxalate or citrate due to the enhanced degradation by root exudates. Without the addition of NAN3, oxalate or citrate at different concentrations could inhibit phenanthrene desorption to different extents and the inhibiting effect by citrate was more significant than by oxalate. This study leads to the conclusion that maize root exudates can not enhance the desorption under abiotic condition with the addition of NaN3 and can promote the desorption of phenanthrene in soils without the addition of NaN3.
文摘The importance of roots in soil conservation has long been underestimated due to a lack of sys-tematic studies conducted to evaluate root dis-tribution patterns and their effects on soil ero-sion. Current knowledge regarding root mor-phology and its impact on soil erosion by water is limited;therefore, detailed analysis of the role that root systems play in controlling soil ero-sion is needed. In this study, stratified runoff scouring at different soil depths in the field was conducted in a grassland area. The results in-dicated that both root biomass and soil wa-ter-stable aggregates decreased as soil depth increased at all three sites, while there was al-most no change in soil bulk density at 1.3g/cm3. Sediment yields under different runoff dis-charge at different sites showed similar trends, and the sediment yield increased as the soil depth increased at all three sites. Further analysis revealed that close relationships ex-isted between root biomass and the amount of water-stable aggregates and soil organic matter content, and that these factors greatly influ-enced soil erosion. Based on the data generated by the experiment, equations describing the relationship between sediment production at different soil depths and root biomass were determined.
文摘Low pH is a major limiting factor for the production of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Hainan province. Black pepper gardens often exhibit a decrease in soil pH (to 5.5 - 5.0) on orchards with a multi-year production history. An exploratory hydroponic experiment was conducted to examine the effects of increasingly acid nutrient solution pH (7.0, 5.5, 4.0, and 3.5) on seedling growth, tissue nutrient concentrations and root morphological traits. The results indicated that low pH may directly inhibit root development and function, limit K, Ca and Mg absorption and reduce seedling growth. At pH 5.5, black pepper attained maximum growth, while the minimum growth occurred at pH 3.5. It can be concluded that low pH reduces plant growth and is associated with low root nutrient concentrations of Ca and Mg, which may explain the decline of the yield in the seven pepper gardens of the Institute.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41271240)
文摘Soil drying may induce a number of stresses on crops. This paper investigated maize（Zea mays L.） root growth as affected by drought and soil penetration resistance（PR）, which was caused by soil drying and tillage in a clayey red soil. Compared with conventional tillage（C） and deep tillage（D）, soil compaction（P） and no-till（N） significantly increased soil PR in the 0-15 cm layer. The PR increased dramatically as the soil drying increased, particularly in soil with a high bulk density. Increased soil PR reduced the maize root mass density distribution not only in the vertical profile（0-20 cm） but also in the horizontal layer at the same distance（0-5, 5-10, 10-15 cm） from the maize plant. With an increase in soil PR in pots, the maize root length, root surface area and root volume significantly decreased. Specifically, the maize root length declined exponentially from 309 to 64 cm per plant with an increase in soil PR from 491 to 3 370 k Pa; the roots almost stopped elongating when the soil PR was larger than 2 200 k Pa. It appeared that fine roots（〈2.5 mm in diameter） thickened when the soil PR increased, resulting in a larger average root diameter. The average root diameter increased linearly with soil PR, regardless of soil irrigation or drought. The results suggest that differences in soil PR caused by soil drying is most likely responsible for inconsistent root responses to water stress in different soils.
基金funded by China Agriculture Research System(CARS-02-18)National Basic Research Program of China(2015CB150404)+1 种基金Shandong Province Key Agricultural Project for Application Technology InnovationFunds of Shandong "Double Tops" Program(SYL2017YSTD02)
文摘The standard cultivation system in the North China Plain is double cropping of winter wheat and summer maize. The main effects of this cultivation system on root development and yield are decreases in soil nutrient content and depth of the plow layer under either long-term no-tillage or rotary tillage before winter wheat sowing and no tillage before summer maize sowing. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of tillage practices before winter wheat and summer maize sowing on soil properties and root growth and distribution in summer maize. Zhengdan 958(ZD958) was used as experimental material, with three tillage treatments: rotary tillage before winter wheat sowing and no tillage before summer maize sowing(RTW + NTM), moldboard plowing before winter wheat sowing and no tillage before summer maize sowing(MPW + NTM), and moldboard plowing before winter wheat sowing and rotary tillage before summer maize sowing(MPW + RTM).Tillage practice showed a significant(P < 0.05) effect on grain yield of summer maize. Grain yields under MPW + RTM and MPW + NTM were 30.6% and 24.0% higher, respectively, than that under RTW + NTM. Soil bulk density and soil penetration resistance decreased among tillage systems in the order RTW + NTM > MPW + NTM > MPW + RTM. Soil bulk densities were 3.3% and 515% lower in MPW + NTM and MPW + RTM, respectively, than that in RTW + NTM, and soil penetration resistances were respectively 17.8% and 20.4% lower,across growth stages and soil depths. Root dry matter and root length density were highest under MPW + RTM, with the resulting increased root activity leading to a yield increase of summer maize. Thus the marked effects of moldboard plowing before winter-wheat sowing on root length density, soil penetration resistance, and soil bulk density may contribute to higher yield.
基金Supported by Ministry of Education Project of Integrating Production, Teaching and Research in Guangdong Province(2009B09030332)Science and Technology Plan Project in Guangdong Province (2010A020506022)Special Public Welfare Industry(Agriculture) Scientific Research Foundation of Ministry of Agriculture(201103003)
文摘Through field experiment,we explore the impact of long-term drip fertigation on growth and distribution of lychee root and changes of soil pH in different layers of soil in lychee garden.The results show that drip fertigation can significantly promote the growth of lychee roots,and increase the contact area of root and soil;if it experiences six years of drip fertigation successively,the dry weight of root,root length and surface area of root in soil in drip fertigation area,will be 2.29 times,2.17 times and 2.25 times that in non-drip fertigation area,respectively.The lychee root is mainly distributed in 0-40 cm layer of soil,but there is conspicuous difference between drip fertigation area and non-drip fertigation area in terms of root distribution in 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm layer of soil.Drip fertigation is more favorable for the root to go deep inside the soil.Under long-term drip fertigation,the soil acidification in lychee garden is prominent,and in comparison with non-drip fertigation area,there is the greatest decline in soil pH in 10-20 cm layer of soil in drip fertigation area,reaching 1.47 units.
基金supported by a grant from the Natural Science Foundation of China(41271044)
文摘To characterize effects of plant roots on preferential flow（PF）,we measured root length density（RLD）and root biomass（RB） in Jiufeng National Forest Park,Beijing,China.Comparisons were made for RLD and RB between soil preferential pathways and soil matrices.RLD and RB declined with the increasing soil depth（0–10,10–20,20–30,30–40,40–50,50–60 cm） in all experimental plots.RLD was greater in soil preferential pathways than in the surrounding soil matrix and was 69.5,75.0 and72.2 % for plant roots of diameter（d） ／1,1 ／ d ／ 3 and3 ／ d ／ 5 mm,respectively.Fine root systems had the most pivotal influence on soil preferential flow in this forest ecosystem.In all experimental plots,RB content was the sum of RB from soil preferential pathways and the soil matrix in each soil depth.With respect to 6 soil depth gradient（0–10,10–20,20–30,30–40,40–50,50–60 cm） in each plot,the number of soil depth gradient that RB content was greater in soil preferential pathways than in the soil matrix was characterized,and the proportion was68.2 % in all plots.
基金the Ministry of Science and Technology of China （1999011700） the National Natural Science Foundation of China （49971042）.
文摘To reveal the period and after-effect of soil water stress on winter wheat, the article employs the experiment results carried out in the greenhouse. The results showed that the root-restricted weights varied with stress degrees and stress times during and after water stressing. In the course of stress, the chief reason resticting the weight of root was the stress intensity at this time, and that of severe stress treatment was larger than that of mild stress treatment. After water stress was relieved, the results of the after-effect of soil water stress on root growth were that, the stress intensity of short-time and mild stress was larger than that of long-time and severe stress. Comparing two-stage stress intensities, root-restricted weight resulted from after-effect intensity of stress under all of the short-time treatment, and the mild and the long-time stress treatments, while that resulted from the period stress intensity under the severe and the long-time stress treatments. In general, the effects of water stress on root were attributed to the three factors, a formed basis in the previous stage, the after-effect of water condition before this stage and influence of water in this stage, which lead to the characters of root in the whole growth stage.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China （NSFC） （30230230）.
文摘Root function in uptake of nutrients and the effect of soil water on the transfer and distribution of NO3^--N in arable soil were studied using summer maize （Zea mays L. var. Shandan 9） as a testing crop. Results showed that root growth and water supply had a significant effect on NO3^--N transfer and made NO3^--N distributed evenly from bulk soil to rhizosphere soil. Under a natural condition with irrigation, the difference of NO3^--N concentration at different distance points from a maize plant was smaller, while obvious difference of NO3^--N concentration was observed under conditions of limited root growth space without irrigation. Whether root growth space was restricted or not, the content of soil NO3^--N decreased gradually from 10 to 0 cm from the plant, being opposite to the root absorbing area in soils. When root-grown space was limited, changes of NO3^--N concentration at different distances from a plant were similar to that of water content in tendency. Results showed that NO3^--N could be transferred as solute to plant root systems with water uptake by plants. However, the transfer and distribution of NH4^--N were not influenced by root growth and soil water supply, being different to NO3^--N.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (50569004)
文摘The relation between soil water content and the growth of cotton root was studied for the scheme of field water and cotton yield under mulched drip irrigation. Based on the field experiments, three treatments of soil water content were conducted with 90%, 75%θf, and 60%θf （θfis field water capacity）. Cotton roots and root-shoot ratio were studied with digging method, and the soil moisture was observed with TDR （time domain reflector）, and cotton yield was measured. The results indicated that the growth of cotton root accorded with Logistic growth curve in the three treatments, the cotton root grew quickly and its weight was very high under 75%θf because of the suitable soil water condition, while grew slowly and its weight was lower under 90%θf due to water moisture beyond the suitable condition, and the root weight was in between under 60%θf For the three water treatments, the cotton root weight decreased with soil depth, and decreased more significantly in deeper soil layer with the soil moisture increasing. And the ratio of cotton root weight in 0-30 cm soil layer to the total root weight was the highest under 75%θf. The cotton root system was distributed mainly in the soil of narrow row and wide row mulched with plastic film, and little in the soil outside plastic film. The weight of cotton root was the highest in the soil of narrow row or wide row mulched with plastic film under 75%θf. Root-shoot ratio decreased with the soil moisture increasing. The soil water content affected cotton yields, and cotton yield was the highest under 75%θf. The higher soil moisture level is unfavorable to the growth of cotton root system and yield of cotton under mulched drip irrigation.
基金supported by the National 973 project (2009CB421302)the National Project (2007BAC03A0604)the key National Natural Science Foundation (40830640)
文摘Effects of soil moisture on cotton root length density (total root length per unit soil volume) and yield under drip irrigation with plastic mulch were studied through field experiments. The results indicate that spatial distributions of root length density of cotton under various water treatments were basically similar. Horizontally, both root length densities of cotton in wide and narrow rows were similar, and higher than that between mulches. Vertically, root length density of cotton decreased with increasing soil depth. The distribution of root length density is different under different irrigation treatments. In conditions of over-irrigation, the root length density of cotton between mulches would increase. However, it would decrease in both the wide rows and narrow rows. The mean root length density of cotton increased with increasing irrigation water. Water stress caused the root length density to increase in lower soil layers. There is a significant correlation between root length density and yields of cotton at the flower-boll and wadding stages. The regression between irrigation amount and yield of cotton can be expressed as y = -0.0026x2+18.015x-24845 (R2 = 0.959). It showed that the irrigation volume of 3,464.4 m3/hm2 led to op-timal root length density. The yield of cotton was 6,360 .8 kg/hm2 under that amount of irrigation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(49971042).
文摘The dynamic relationship of dry matter accumulation and distribution between winter wheat root and shoot was studied under different soil water conditions. The dry matter accumulation in root was greatly influenced by water stress, so as to the final root weight of the treatment with 40% field moisture capacity(FMC) was less than 1/4 of that of the treatment with 80% FMC on average. Water stress during the 3-leaf stage to the tillering stage had the greatest influence on root, and the influence of water stress during the jointing stage to the booting stage on shoot was greater than root. However, water stress during the tillering stage to the booting stage had a balanced effect on root and shoot, and the proportion of dry matter that distributed to root and shoot was almost the same after rewatering. Water recovery during the jointing stage to booting stage could promote R/S, but the increasing degree was related to the duration of water limitation. Soil water condition had the lowest effect on R/S during the flowering stage to the filling stage and the maximal effect on R/S during the jointing stage to the heading stage, R/S of 40% FMC treatment was 20.93 and 126.09% higher than that of 60% FMC and 80% FMC treatments respectively at this period.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31270553)the National 973 Program of China(2009CB118604)the Special Fund for Agro-Scientific Research in the Public Interest of China(201103003)
文摘Deep phosphorus application can be a usefull measure to improve crops＇ performance in semi-arid regions, but more knowledge of both its general effects and effects on specific crops is required to optimize treatments. Thus, the aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of phosphorus（P） application at different soil layers on root growth, grain yield, and water-use efficiency（WUE） of winter wheat grown on the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China and to explore the relationship between root distribution and grain yield. The experiment consisted of four P treatments in a randomized complete block design with three replicates and two cultivars： one drought-sensitive（Xiaoyan 22, XY22） and one drought-tolerant（Changhan 58, CH58）. The four P treatments were no P（control, CK）, surface P（SP）, deep P（DP）, and deep-band P application（DBP）. CH58 produced larger and deeper root systems, and had higher grain yields and WUE, under the deep P treatments（DP and DBP） than under SP, clearly showing that deep P placement had beneficial effects on the drought-tolerant cultivar. In contrast, the grain yield and root growth of XY22 did not differ between DP or DBP and SP treatments. Further, root dry weight（RW） and root length（RL） in deep soil layer（30-100 cm） were closely positively correlated with grain yield and WUE of CH58（but not XY22）, highlighting the connections between a well-developed subsoil root system and both high grain yield and WUE for the drought-tolerant cultivar. WUE correlated strongly with grain yield for both cultivars（r=0.94, P〈0.001）. In conclusion, deep application of P fertilizer is a practical and feasible means of increasing grain yield and WUE of rainfed winter wheat in semi-arid regions, by promoting deep root development of drought-tolerant cultivars.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program,G1999011709)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China(33135).
文摘The equilibrium between root, shoot and growth stability under different soil water conditions were investigated in a tube experiment of winter wheat. The water supplying treatments included： sufficient irrigation at whole growth phase, moderate deficiency irrigation at whole growth phase, serious deficiency irrigation at whole growth phase, sufficient irrigation at jointing stage, tillering stage, flowering stage, and fillering respectively, after moderate and serious water deficit during their previous growth stage. Root and shoot biomass were measured. On the basis of the cooperative root-shoot interactions model, the equilibrium and growth stability were studied on the strength of the kinetics system theory. There was only one varying equilibrium point between the root and shoot over the life time of the winter wheat plant. Water stress prolonged the duration of stable growth, the more serious the water deficit, the longer the period of stable growth. The duration of stable growth was shortened and that of unstable growth was prolonged after water recovery. The growth behavior of the plants exposed to moderate water deficit shifted from stable to unstable until the end of the growth, after rewatering at flowering. In the life-time of the crop, the root and shoot had been adjusting themselves in structure and function so as to maintain an equilibrium, but could not achieve the equilibrium state for long. They were always in an unbalanced state from the beginning to the end of growth. This was the essence of root-shoot equilibrium. Water stress inhibited the function of root and shoot, reduced root shoot interactions, and as a result, the plant growth gradually tended to stabilize. Rewatering enhanced root shoot interactions, prolonged duration of instable growth. Rewatering at flowering could upset the inherent relativity during the long time of stable growth from flowering to filling stage, thus leading to unstable growth and enhanced dry matter accumulating rate in the whole plant.
文摘Erratic rainfalls and rise in temperature have become more frequent under the changing scenario of climate particularly in semiarid tropics. As a consequence of it, a drastic shift of chickpea diseases have been recorded throughout the major chickpea growing regions in India and elsewhere. Dry root rot (DRR) caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola (Taub.) Butler [Pycnidial stage: Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid] was found as a potentially emerging constraint to chickpea production than wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris). Increasing incidence of DRR indicate strong influence of climate change variables such as temperature and moisture on the development of disease. The present study therefore was conducted to quantify the role of temperature and soil moisture associated with infection, colonization and development of DRR under controlled environment. The DRR incidence was significantly affected by high temperature and soil moisture deficit. Out of five temperature regimes (15?C, 20?C, 25?C, 30?C and 35?C) and four moisture levels (40%, 60%, 80% and 100%), a combination of high temperature (35?C) and soil moisture content (60%) predisposes chickpea to DRR. The study clearly demonstrates that high temperature coupled with soil moisture deficit is the climate change variables predisposing chickpea to R. bataticola infection, colonization and development.
文摘Vegetation roots contribute to soil fixation and reinforcement, thus improving soil resistance against erosion. Generally, the amount of soil fixation presented by roots mainly depends on root density and tensile strength. In the present study, we conducted the research in order to further understand the biotechnical properties of Haloxylon persicum and also to quantify its role in increasing soil cohesion in arid lands of Iran. Ten H. persicum shrubs were randomly selected for root distribution and strength investigations, in which five samples were set on flat terrain and other five samples on a moderate slope terrain. The profile trench method was used to assess the root area ratio(RAR) as the index of root density and distribution. Two profiles were dug around each sample, up and downslope for sloped treatment and north and south sides for flat treatment. The results showed that RAR increased with increasing soil depth and significantly decreased in 40–50 cm layers of downhill(0.320%) and 50–60 cm for uphill(0.210%). The minimum values for the northward and southward profiles were 0.003% and 0.003%, respectively, while the maximum values were 0.260% and 0.040%, respectively. The relationship between the diameter of root samples and root tensile strength followed a negative power function, but tensile force increased with increasing root diameter following a positive power function. The pattern of increased cohesion changes in soil profile was relatively similar to RAR curves. The maximum increased cohesion due to the presence of roots in uphill and downhill sides were 0.470 and 1.400 kPa, respectively. In the flat treatment, the maximum increased cohesions were 0.570 and 0.610 kPa in northward and southward profiles, respectively. The analysis of variance showed that wind and slope induced stresses did not have any significant effect on the amount of increased cohesion of H. persicum. The findings served to develop knowledge about biotechnical properties of H. persicum root system that can assist in assessing the efficiency of afforestation and restoration measures for erosion control in arid lands.
文摘This paper presents novel approaches to address the complex issues associated with preservation, transportation, and tensile testing of the vegetation root samples needed for the enhancement of soil and prevent erosion. Readily availability of no equipment for in-situ assessment of the roots’ contribution to soil strength forces the researchers to transport the root samples to the lab for testing and estimating the contribution to the soil shear strength. Moreover, the standard procedures and apparatuses available in the public domain are regrettably suitable for testing of relatively stiffer materials. Therefore, conducting the tensile test of roots using off-the-shelf equipment often causes premature failure of the soft tissues and produces an erratic result, which ultimately leads to unrealistic soil shear strength. The experimental work replaced the traditional jaw type grips by innovative 3D-printed mold or metal ring with silicone, epoxy, and hot-glue to ensure a minimal degree of damage to the roots. Other scopes of the study include a comparison between fresh and refrigerated samples, the effect of sample storage temperature, pH, and Optimum Effective Root Area (OERA) per unit area of soil. Initial study conducted on the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) roots involved comparison for different approaches based on the gripping technic to select the best method. Finally, the paper included the results of tensile strength test performed on Spartina alterniflora root samples following the suggested guidelines thus helping better evaluation of root embedded soil shear strength, enhancing the resistance against soil erosion, and conserving the ecosystem.
