Structure and Function of the Root Cap

The root cap (RC) is a multilayered dome of spindle-shaped parenchyma cells that overlies the growing root tip. It is present in the roots of almost all crop species. This paper briefly reviews some topics on the structure and function of the RC in the major crop species such as maize and rice. Special attention is placed on its contribution to the root system formation, that is, the elongation and growth direction of axile roots. The cells produced in the RC meristem are pushed forward as new cells form beneath them, and eventually the cells on the periphery of the RC fall off. The life cycle of RC cells of maize has been studied extensively and ranges from one to seven days. Approximately 4,000 to 21,000 cells are present in a complete maize RC, and 1,400 to 3,200 sloughed cells can be found in the rhizosphere soil per day per root. These cells, called root border cells (RBCs), mix with RC mucilage and play important roles for the root growth in soil. The RBC-mucilage complex effectively reduces the resistance roots experience during penetration into field soil, about 30–40% of the resistance being reduced by the presence of RC alone. The RC is also a tissue integral to gravitropism, and is known to determine the direction of root growth. The size of amyloplasts and coumellae in RCs has a strong influence on determining the growth angle of axile roots. The function of the individual regions of the RC and how the RC tissues and cells are formed should be studied further to advance our understanding regarding the critical roles of the RC in crop root growth.     

Deep rooting in winter wheat: rooting nodes of deep roots in two cultivars with deep and shallow root systems

Deep rooting of wheat has been suggested that it influences the tolerance to various environmental stresses. In this study, the nodes from which the deepest penetrated roots had emerged were examined in winter wheat. The wheat was grown in long tubes with or without mechanical stress and in large root boxes. The length and growth angle of each axile root were examined to analyze the difference in the vertical distribution of the roots between the two wheat cultivars, one with a deep and one with a shallow root system. In Shiroganekomugi, a Japanese winter wheat cultivar with a shallow root system, the rooting depths of the seminal and nodal roots decreased as the rooting nodes advanced acropetally. Six out of nine deepest roots were seminal root in the non-mechanical stress conditions. In Mutsubenkei, a Japanese winter wheat cultivar with a deep root system, grown in root boxes, not only the seminal roots but also the coleoptilar and the first nodal roots penetrated to a depth of more than 1.3 m in the root box, and became the deepest roots. In both cultivars, the seminal roots became the deepest roots under the mechanical stress conditions. There were no clear tendencies in the root growth angles among the rooting nodes in the wheat root system. This indicates that the length of the axile roots can explain the differences in the rooting depths among axile roots in a wheat root system. On the other hand, the axile roots of Mutsubenkei elongated significantly more vertically than those of Shiroganekomugi. This suggests that not only seminal but also nodal roots exhibit strong positive gravitropism and penetrate deeply in a cultivar with a deep root system. In wheat cultivars, it is likely that the extent of its Root Depth Index results partly from the gravitropic responses of both seminal and nodal roots.     

Morphological Changes and Function of Calcium Oxalate Crystals in Eddo Roots in Hydroponic Solution Containing Calcium at Various Concentrations

Abstract

Morphological changes and function of calcium oxalate crystals in eddo roots in hydroponic solution containing calcium at various concentrations were investigated. Bundles of needle-shaped crystals in crystal idioblasts were tubularly arranged in the peripheral part of cortex in the apical zone of primary roots. Under scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy, crystals in the idioblasts of roots cultured in 1 mM calcium nitrate solution were larger than those in 0 mM calcium solution but smaller than those in the solutions containing either 15 mM calcium nitrate or 15 mM calcium chloride. The number and area of crystal bundles in the sections of the apical zone in 1 mM calcium nitrate solution were significantly larger than those in 0 mM calcium solution and smaller than those in the solutions containing 15 mM calcium. The calcium mapping image obtained by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry showed that the amount of calcium in crystal idioblasts was increased with increasing calcium concentration in the solutions. However, the weight percentage of calcium per cortex parenchyma cell in root apical zone did not vary significantly with the concentration of calcium in the solutions. In the root zone apart from the root apex having no crystals, the weight percentage of calcium per cortex parenchyma cell in the solutions containing 15 mM calcium was significantly higher than that in either 0 mM calcium or 1 mM calcium nitrate solution. These results suggested that the crystals in the tubular arrangement participated in the regulation of calcium levels in the apical zone of primary roots.     

Root System Development Including Root Branching in Cuttings of Cassava with Reference to Shoot Growth and Tuber Bulking

Summary

In spite of the important role it plays for water and nutrient acquisition, information on the root system development in cassava (Manihot esculenta Grantz) is limited. To examine the root length and branching pattern with reference to shoot growth and tuber bulking, we grew cassava plants in containers under natural climatic conditions in the southern end of Sumatra Island, Indonesia. One 20-cm length cutting of cassava (cv. Ardira IV) was planted in either a plastic bucket or a wooden box. The containers, which were filled with heavy clay soil, had different sizes depending on the growing period. At 30, 60, 100, 140, 180, and 270 days after planting (DAP), both the shoot and roots were sampled for quantitative analysis. The dry weight of both shoot and roots increased rapidly with the leaf area. The axile root number, however, decreased from 60 to 140 DAP as a result of the abscission of roots emerging from the basal part of the cutting during tuber bulking. The total root length reached its maximum at 60 DAP and significantly decreased thereafter because of decay and decomposition during tuber bulking. On the other hand, the root branching either increased the branching order or retained it, as determined from a topological point of view. The root branching during the later growing period compensated for the decrease in total root length and contributed to maintain a sufficient root surface area. The surviving roots with a well-developed branching pattern could absorb water and nutrients essential for tuber bulking.     

Variation of Germination Response to Temperature in Formosan Lily (Lilium formosanum Wall.) Collected from Different Latitudes and Elevations in Taiwan

Abstract

Deep penetration of an axile root is one of the important factors that allow crops to form deep root systems. In this study, the nodes from which the deepest penetrated roots had emerged were examined at the heading stage in upland rice and maize grown in large root boxes and in the field. Both experiments were designed to measure the direction, length, and rooting nodes of each root. In maize, the growth angles of axile roots increased with vertical elongation as rooting nodes acropetally advanced. The roots that emerged from the lower nodes, namely from coleoptilar to the second node, exhibited conspicuously horizontal elongation in the field, reaching 2.3 m in width at the maximum. The roots that emerged from higher than the fifth node were too short to penetrate deeply. Thus, these roots became the deepest root in less or no probability under field conditions. On the other hand, the fourth nodal root, which had an intermediate growth angle and length, had the highest probability. In upland rice, the deepest roots emerged from the nodes lower than the forth node on the main stem in the root boxes. In the field, however, the deepest roots emerged at later stages, that is, the roots from the middle nodes on the main stem and from the low nodes on the primary and secondary tillers were the deepest roots. Five out of nine of the deepest roots were from the prophyll nodes in three field-grown upland rice. The deepest roots from the same plant were estimated to have emerged and grown at approximately the same stage.     

Non-destructive Method for Root Elongation Measurement in Soil Using Acoustic Emission Sensors: II. Spatial measurement of single root elongation

Summary

A non-destructive method for measurements of spatial root elongation in soil, using acoustic emission (AE) sensors, was developed. Growing roots passing in close proximity to soil particles generate AE pulses, which are detectable as counts by AE sensors. Previously, vertical maize (Zea mays L.) root elongation in soil was successfully measured using AE sensors. The method was expanded to measure spatial maize root elongation in a rectangular stainless steel container. Three AE sensors were placed vertically at 15 mm intervals on each of the four side walls of the container. Spatial root tip position was expressed by the three axes (x, y, z). Relative AE counts on the x axis and y axis (Rx_p and Ry_P) were obtained from three sensors on the same and opposite planes as a fraction of total AE counts on both sides of this plane. RxP and RyP were linearly related to root tip positions on the x axis and y axis, respectively. The relationship was expressed by the equation : Y = 0.740 - 0.0420X (r = 0.861**) where X is the actual distance from the sensor to root tip position and Y is Rx_P or Ry_P. Spatial root tip positions can be estimated by the relative AE counts using this regressing equation. Thus, spatial root tip positions were expressed as a function of time. The trajectory of root tip position estimated by AE sensors was consistent with that obtained from actual measurements after excavation of the root from soil. This method can be used to give continuous and three-dimensional information of root tip movements, the rate and direction of root elongation.     

Development and Distribution of Root System in Two GrainSorghum Cultivars Originated from Sudan under Drought Stress

Abstract

The difference in rooting pattern between two grain sorghum cultivars differing in drought tolerance was investigated under drought stress. The cultivars, Gadambalia (drought-tolerant) and Tabat (droughtsusceptible), were grown in bottomless wooden or acrylic root boxes to examine root parameters. Gadambalia consistently exhibited higher dry matter production and leaf water potential than Tabat under drought stress in both root boxes. In the experiment with wooden root boxes, under a drought condition, Gadambalia extracted more water from deep soil layers (1.1-1.5 m), which was estimated from the reduction in soil water content, than Tabat. This was because Gadambalia had a significantly higher root length density in these soil layers. The high root length density was due to enhanced lateral root development in Gadambalia. In the other experiment with acrylic root boxes, though total root length in the upper soil layer (0-0.5 m) was declined by limited irrigation in both cultivars, the reduction in Gadambalia was moderate compared with that in Tabat owing to the maintenance of fine root growth. Unlike Tabat, Gadambalia had an ability to produce the nodal roots from higher internodes even under drought, which resulted in the high nodal root length of Gadambalia. The growth angle of nodal roots was significantly correlated with root diameter, and the nodal roots from the higher internodes had large diameters and penetrated into the soil more vertically. These results indicate that the responses of roots (i.e. branching and/or growth of lateral root, and nodal root emergence from higher internodes) to soil dryness could be associated with the drought tolerance of Gadambalia.     

Non-destructive Method for Root Elongation Measurement in Soil Using Acoustic Emission Sensors

Summary

A new non-destructive method for the measurement of root elongation in soil was developed using acoustic emission (AE) sensors. Collisions between soil particles caused by the growth of the root tip generated sound pulses that were detected by the AE sensors. In a simulation experiment, using a stainless steel rod (d = 1.3 mm), AE counts increased as the rod approached the sensor. The relative AE count (Ri) calculated from the values obtained from two sensors, vertically placed 15 mm apart, was only slightly influenced by the rod penetration rate and soil conditions, and linearly correlated with the distance between the rod tip and the center of the upper AE sensor. In the experiments using a maize primary root, Ri (Y) was significantly correlated with the distance (X) between the root tip and the center of the upper AE sensor as in the simulation experiment. Accordingly the root tip position could be estimated using the equation Y = 0.994-0.0640X (r = 0.883**). Calculated values for root elongation were comparable to those obtained from actual measurements.     

Differential Sensitivity of Rice Cultivars to Salinity and Its Relation to Ion Accumulation and Root Tip Structure

Abstract

Effects of NaCl on the growth, ion content, root cap structure and Casparian band development were examined in four rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars with different salt resistance (salt-sensitive indica-type IR 24 and japonica-type Nipponbare and salt-resistant indica-type Nona Bokra and Pokkali). Experiments were conducted to find the differences in salinity resistance during early seedling and developed seedling stages among the cultivars. For salinity treatment, sodium chloride (NaCl) was added to nutrient solution at concentrations of 0, 25 and 50 mM for 7 days from germination to the 7th day (early seedling stage) or from the 7th day to 14th day (developed seedling stage). Growth inhibition by salinity was more prominent in the early seedling stage than in the developed seedling stage. Based on the growth, the order of the sensitivity was IR24 > Nipponbare > Nona Bokra > Pokkali. The growth of NaCl-treated rice cultivars relative to control was significantly and negatively correlated with the Na⁺ content and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio in roots and shoots in both stages. Scanning electron microscopic observation revealed that the root cap tissues proliferated and extended to the basal part of the root tip by salinity. The length of root cap was, however, reduced by 50 mM NaCl in sensitive cultivars due to peeling off. An endodermal Casparian band was formed in the basal region of the root tip. Development of the Casparian band was more prominent in sensitive cultivars than in tolerant cultivars. Root cap proliferation might be related to NaCl resistance in rice seedlings, but the Casparian band may not function efficiently in Na⁺ exclusion. Essentially the present results suggest that exclusion of Na⁺ from roots plays a critical role in expression of Na⁺ resistance in rice seedlings and the root cap is important for Na⁺ exclusion.     

Rooting systems of oilseed and pulse crops. II: Vertical distribution patterns across the soil profile

Root distribution patterns in the soil profile are the important determinant of the ability of a crop to acquire water and nutrients for growth. This study was to determine the root distribution patterns of selected oilseeds and pulses that are widely adapted in semiarid northern Great Plains. We hypothesized that root distribution patterns differed between oilseed, pulse, and cereal crops, and that the magnitude of the difference was influenced by water availability. A field experiment was conducted in 2006 and 2007 near Swift Current (50°15′N, 107°44′W), Saskatchewan, Canada. Three oilseeds [canola (Brassica napus L.), flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), mustard (Brassica juncea L.)], three pulses [chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris)], and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were hand-planted in lysimeters of 15 cm in diameter and 100 cm in length which were pushed into soil with a hydraulic system. Crops were evaluated under low- (natural rainfall) and high- (rainfall + irrigation) water conditions. Vertical distribution of root systems was determined at the late-flowering stage. A large portion (>90%) of crop roots was mainly distributed in the 0-60 cm soil profile and the largest amount of crop rooting took place in the top 20 cm soil increment. Pulses had larger diameter roots across the entire soil profile than oilseeds and wheat. Canola had 28% greater root length and 110% more root tips in the top 10 cm soil and 101% larger root surface area in the 40 cm soil under high-water than under low-water conditions. In 2007, drier weather stimulated greater root growth for oilseeds in the 20-40 cm soil and for wheat in the 0-20 cm soil, but reduced root growth of pulses in the 0-50 cm soil profile. In semiarid environments, water availability did not affect the vertical distribution patterns of crop roots with a few exceptions. Pulses are excellent “digging” crops with a strong “tillage” function to the soil due to their larger diameter roots, whereas canola is more suitable to the environment with high availability of soil water that promotes canola root development.     

Effects of sulphur supply on the morphology of shoots and roots of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

A sulphur (S)‐deficient top soil was used in a pot experiment to investigate the effect of S supply on shoot and root growth and development in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The treatments consisted of three rates of addition of S: 0, 20 and 40 mg kg^?1 soil and each was replicated four times. Alfalfa was harvested at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 d after seedling emergence. By the end of the experiment, plants with S supply had a significantly larger leaf area, heavier leaf, shoot and root dry weight per pot than controls. The effects of adding S also significantly increased plant height, basal stem diameter, chlorophyll concentration of young leaves, root length and root surface area compared with controls. The effects of S were greater on shoots than on roots. The ratio of root to shoot dry weight was 0·47 when S was supplied and 0·88 without added S, indicating that c. 0·32 and 0·47 of the total net photosynthate, produced with or without S supply, respectively, were used for the development of roots. Overall, overcoming S deficiency resulted in a significant increase in shoot and root growth.     

Sucrose Metabolism for the Development of Seminal Root in Maize Seedlings

Abstract

The objective of this study was to elucidate the roles of sugar in the formation of root systems. Several parts of theseminal root were investigated to determine their sucrose, glucose and fructose contents, and the activity and the in situ localization of the activities of two kinds of metabolic enzymes, invertase and sucrose synthase, whichhydrolyze sucrose. The sucrose, glucose and fructose concentrations in the 0-1 cm section from the root apex were three to five times those in the other sections. The invertase and sucrose synthase activities were also higher in the apical section. The in situ localization of invertase activity was detected in the cell elongation zone of the seminal root using histochemical method. The sucrose synthase activity was detected in the cell elongation zone of the seminal root and the root apices of lateral roots. These results suggested that sucrose is transported to the root elongation zone and the surrounding tissue of the lateral root primordia, and is cleaved into glucose, fructose, and UDP-glucose by invertase or sucrose synthase. This suggested that sucrose contributes to root formation by serving as the energy source, the carbon source for cell wall synthesis, and as a compatible solute for cell elongation.     

播种方式和种植密度对冬小麦根系生长和产量的影响

为探究播种方式和种植密度对冬小麦根系生长和产量的影响,以新冬22号为材料,采用二因素裂区试验设计,主区设条播（DR）和匀播（UN）2种播种方式,副区设150万粒·hm^-2（D150）、225 万粒·hm^-2（D225）、300万粒·hm^-2（D300）和375万粒·hm^-2（D375）4种种植密度,比较分析了不同播种方式和种植密度下冬小麦根系形态特征、根系伤流量和产量的差异。结果表明,随种植密度的增加,小麦总根干重、总根长呈先增后减趋势,单株次生根数、根系伤流量呈减小趋势。与条播相比,匀播下小麦总根干重、总根长显著增加,差异主要在0~30 cm土层;单株次生根数、根系伤流量增加,差异主要在生育中后期;产量显著提高（增幅9.89%）,其中以D225处理最大。综上,匀播能够促进小麦根系的生长,提高根系活性,有利于高产;在本试验条件下匀播小麦以225万粒·hm^-2种植密度最佳。     

Rooting systems of oilseed and pulse crops I: Temporal growth patterns across the plant developmental periods

Oilseed and pulse crops have been increasingly used to diversify cereal-based cropping systems in semiarid environments, but little is known about the root characteristics of these broadleaf crops. This study was to characterize the temporal growth patterns of the roots of selected oilseed and pulse crops, and determine the response of root growth patterns to water availability in semiarid environments. Canola (Brassica napus L.), flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), mustard (Brassica juncea L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris), and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were tested under high- (rainfall + irrigation) and low- (rainfall only) water availability conditions in southwest Saskatchewan, in 2006 and 2007. Crops were hand-planted in lysimeters of 15 cm in diameter and 100 cm in length that were installed in the field prior to seeding. Roots were sampled at the crop stages of seedling, early-flower, late-flower, late-pod, and physiological maturity. On average, root length density, surface area, diameter, and the number of tips at the seedling stage were, respectively, 41, 25, 14, and 110% greater in the drier 2007 than the corresponding values in 2006. Root growth in all crops progressed rapidly from seedling, reached a maximum at late-flower or late-pod stages, and then declined to maturity; this pattern was consistent under both high- and low-water conditions. At the late-flower stage, root growth was most sensitive to water availability, and the magnitude of the response differed between crop species. Increased water availability increased canola root length density by 70%, root surface area by 67%, and root tips by 79% compared with canola grown under low-water conditions. Water availability had a marginal influence on the root growth of flax and mustard, and had no effect on pulse crops. Wheat and two Brassica oilseeds had greater root length density, surface area and root tips throughout the entire growth period than flax and three pulses, while pulse crops had thicker roots with larger diameters than the other species. Sampling roots at the late-flower stage will allow researchers to capture best information on root morphology in oilseed and pulse crops. The different root morphological characteristics of oilseeds, pulses, and wheat may serve as a science basis upon which diversified cropping systems are developed for semiarid environments.     

The effect of aluminum treatments on the root growth and cell ultrastructure of two soybean genotypes

Since aluminum (Al) toxicity often negatively affects the growth and production of crops in acidic soil, understanding the mechanisms of plant physiological response to Al toxicity would facilitate the development of more Al-tolerant crops. The objective of this research is, therefore, using transmission electron microscope and spectrophotometer to study the physiology and cell ultrastructure changes of two soybean cultivars of distinctly different sensitivities to Al toxicity, Zhechun 2 (Z.2, Al-resistant) and Zhechun 3 (Z.3, Al-sensitive) after Al treatments. Using these two cultivars, we conducted a 14-day nutrient solution experiment with Al concentrations set at 0, 10, 30, 60 and 90 mg L⁻¹. The results demonstrated that Al inhibited the growth of soybean root systems and severely damaged root cells. In contrast to the Al-resistant cultivar, the Al-sensitive cultivar Z.3 showed a larger plasma membrane permeability than Z.2 when treated with Al. In addition, the root elongation, activity, appearance of root tips and root hair zone were all altered by Al treatments. For example, after the 10 mg L⁻¹ Al treatment, the number of mitochondria had proliferated significantly in the root tip cells; plasmolysis was observed in the 30 mg L⁻¹ Al treatment; and the cell wall had ruptured and the cellular contents had disappeared in the high-level Al treatments. The results of our study showed in detail how soybean roots changed physiologically in response to Al stress.     

Comparison of Root System Development in Two Rice Cultivars During Stress Recovery from Drought and the Plant Traits for Drought Resistance

Summary

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to compare root system development of two upland rice cultivars, IRAT 13 and Senshou, during recovery from drought stress and to identify the plant traits that confer drought resistance. From 62 days after sowing (62 DAS), drought stress was given for 6 d followed by rewatering for 14 d. Root length density (RLD) and root diameter (thickness) were measured at the end of the stress and rewatering periods. Control plants were well-watered throughout the study. Gultivar IRAT 13 had thicker roots and higher relative RLD (ratio of RLD in drought-stressed plants to that in control plants) than under drought stress, and significantly higher root growth recovery after rewatering cultivar Senshou. Related plant traits such as evapotranspiration (ET), leaf and stem dry weights and weight of senescent leaves (dead leaves) in IRAT 13 were significantly more favorable for drought resistance compared to Senshou.     

Genome duplication improves rice root resistance to salt stress

Background

Salinity is a stressful environmental factor that limits the productivity of crop plants, and roots form the major interface between plants and various abiotic stresses. Rice is a salt-sensitive crop and its polyploid shows advantages in terms of stress resistance. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of genome duplication on rice root resistance to salt stress.

Results

Both diploid rice (HN2026-2x and Nipponbare-2x) and their corresponding tetraploid rice (HN2026-4x and Nipponbare-4x) were cultured in half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium with 150 mM NaCl for 3 and 5 days. Accumulations of proline, soluble sugar, malondialdehyde (MDA), Na⁺ content, H⁺ (proton) flux at root tips, and the microstructure and ultrastructure in rice roots were examined. We found that tetraploid rice showed less root growth inhibition, accumulated higher proline content and lower MDA content, and exhibited a higher frequency of normal epidermal cells than diploid rice. In addition, a protective gap appeared between the cortex and pericycle cells in tetraploid rice. Next, ultrastructural analysis showed that genome duplication improved membrane, organelle, and nuclei stability. Furthermore, Na⁺ in tetraploid rice roots significantly decreased while root tip H⁺ efflux in tetraploid rice significantly increased.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that genome duplication improves root resistance to salt stress, and that enhanced proton transport to the root surface may play a role in reducing Na⁺ entrance into the roots.     

Responses of Root Growth to Moderate Soil Water Deficit in Wheat Seedlings

Abstract

In the field, plants show better root growth in drying soil than in wet soil. However, the root growth enhancement has not been demonstrated clearly in the laboratory. In this study, the root growth response of wheat seedlings to moderate soil water deficits was characterized quantitatively in an environment-controlled chamber. Germinated seeds of wheat were grown for 15 days in the soil with a water potential ranging from field capacity (FC) to approximately –0.08 MPa. Theleaf area decreased with reduction in soil water potential. By contrast, the root surface area increased upon reduction ofthe soil water potential to –0.04 MPa while it decreased significantly in soil with a water potential of –0.08 MPa. The increase in surface area was obvious in the roots with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.4 mm and larger than 0.7 mm. Root weight increased with the reduction of soil water potential to –0.04 MPa. While specific root length decreased significantly with the reduction of water potential to –0.06 MPa, the specific root surface area did not. Assimilatestransported from shoot might be used in roots to increae the surface area mainly by increasing the diameter rather than the length in response to a moderate soil water deficit in wheat seedlings. This might result from the drought tolerance mechanism of osmotic adjustment in roots.     

耕作方式对玉米根系构型及抗根倒伏能力的影响

通过云南典型的红壤坡耕地对土壤实施深松+旋耕15 cm(SRT)、深松+免耕(SNT)、深松+翻耕20 cm(SP1)、深松+翻耕30 cm(SP2)、旋耕15 cm(RT)、免耕(NT)、翻耕20 cm(P1)和翻耕30 cm(P2)8种耕作方式,研究对玉米的根系根条数、根直径、入土角度、根幅、生物量及根系抗拔力等的影响。结果表明,深松+翻耕20 cm处理能增加玉米根条数、根系入土角度和10 cm土层处根系生长幅度,增大根系生物量,尤其是深层土壤(20～30 cm)根系生物量,同时对玉米产量也具有提高作用。深松+翻耕30 cm处理能增大根系的垂直抗拔力。因此,土壤通过深耕处理能改善玉米根系构型和分布,进而增强玉米根系抗倒伏能力。     

玉米根系空间分布特性的数学模拟及应用

通过根箱试验获取玉米根系坐标数据,采用方程y=1/1/k+ae~-bx建立根系纵向和横向分布模型,利用模型分析田间氮肥运筹以及不同品种对玉米根系生长及分布的影响,研究玉米根系在土壤中的空间分布特性。结果表明,玉米在拔节期和灌浆盛期,分别约49.7%和20.7%的根系分布在20 cm深度土层内,34.6%和46.6%根系分布在20 cm横向范围内,其纵向和横向累积长度的变化均可用Logistic方程模拟。重基肥处理能够扩大拔节期的根系的空间分布。