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Use of Minirhizotrons to Characterize Root System Orientation

USDA-ARS, Cropping Systems Research Lab., Rt. 3, Lubbock, TX 79401

H. M. Taylor

Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock, TX

* Corresponding author.

ABSTRACT

A mathematical model, based on probabilistic assumptions concerning root growth directions, was applied to observations from minirhizotrons, in order to characterize the dominant root system orientation. The model uses the average number of roots that intersect the wall of several tubes buried in the soil, and not the numbers of root on individual observation tubes. By determining the ratio of the number of roots that intersect the top of an angled minirhizotron to the number that intersect the bottom, the model predicts whether the root system is more horizontally or more vertically oriented than random. Application of the model to measurements of root intersections with minirhizotrons indicated that the cotton root system was more horizontally oriented than random. This orientation was confirmed by examining the cotton root system on a vertical trench wall. Application of the model also suggested the presence of upward root growth to a greater extent than was observed in the trench. An analysis of the procedures used in the trench profile indicated, however, that the magnitude of upward growth possibly was underestimated. The modeled and observed ratios had the same absolute value when the probability was considered random that a given root was oriented upward or downward. This result indicates that ratios calculated from minirhizotron observations can be used to adequately predict the dominant plant root system orientation.

Contribution from the USDA-ARS in cooperation with Texas Tech Univ.

Received for publication June 5, 1987.