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Publication Type:
| Newsletter |
Author(s): | Branham, Bruce |
Author Affiliation: | Turf Physiologist, M.S.U. |
Title: | Studies of root systems in turf |
Source: | Newsnotes (Michigan Turfgrass Foundation). April-June 1984, p. 4-5. |
Publishing Information: | Saginaw, MI: Michigan Turfgrass Foundation |
Keywords: | TIC Keywords: Root systems; Shoot growth; Water use rate; Root Growth; Rhizotrons; Root growth; Lysimeters
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Abstract/Contents: | This article takes a look at root growth and the different methods of studying root growth. Root growth must be considered as part of the growth of the plant and not as separate function. A deep and vigorous root system will generally come at the sacrifice of the shoot system. The larger and more extensive the root system the more photosynthate used. The automatic irrigation system allows the turf manager to irrigate or syringe at any time of the day, thus, plants don't need the deep rootzone that would be needed if they were dependent on mother nature for water. If the turf has a 2 inch root zone the turf manager should be able to keep the turf in good condition through irrigation, syringing and proper fertilization. There are many methods of studying root systems. The rhizotron is an underground system with a number of observation boxes placed in the soil and an underground tunnel for viewing and measuring root growth. Another method for measuring root growth is under development at M.S.U. This method is used to determine root length, mass, and distribution in the soil profile. Also being developed is a computer simulation that will take a washed root sample and reconstruct a two-dimensional profile of the root system. The profile would include estimates of root length, weight and density. The most accurate method of determining water use by a plant is to use a lysimeter. A lysimeter can determine water use rates, plant moisture stress and effects of cultural practices on water use rates. They are also excellent for studying irrigation and syringing practices. |
Language: | English |
References: | Unknown |
| ASA/CSSA/SSSA Citation (Crop Science-Like - may be incomplete): Branham, B. 1984. Studies of root systems in turf. Newsnotes (Michigan Turfgrass Foundation). p. 4-5. |
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