scholarly journals Root architecture, rooting profiles and physiological responses of potential slope plants grown on acidic soil

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9595
Author(s):  
Deivaseeno Dorairaj ◽  
Muhammad Fahmi Suradi ◽  
Nursyamimi Syafiqah Mansor ◽  
Normaniza Osman
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Average Diameter ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Acidic Soil ◽  
Melastoma Malabathricum ◽  
Root Anchorage ◽  
Healthy Growth

Globally, there has been an increase in the frequency of landslides which is the result of slope failures. The combination of high intensity rainfall and high temperature resulted in the formation of acidic soil which is detrimental to the healthy growth of plants. Proper plant coverage on slopes is a prerequisite to mitigate and rehabilitate the soil. However, not all plant species are able to grow in marginal land. Thus, this study was undertaken to find a suitable slope plant species. We aimed to evaluate the effect of different soil pH on root profiles and growth of three different potential slope plant species namely, Melastoma malabathricum, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Syzygium campanulatum. M. malabathricum showed the highest tolerance to acidic soil as it recorded the highest plant height and photosynthetic rate. The root systems of M. malabathricum, H. rosa-sinensis and S. campanulatum were identified as M, VH- and R-types, respectively. The study proposed M. malabathricum which possessed dense and shallow roots to be planted at the toe or top of the slope while H. rosa-sinensis and S. campanulatum to be planted in the middle of a slope. S. campanulatum consistently recorded high root length and root length density across all three types of soil pH while M. malabathricum showed progressive increase in length as the soil pH increased. The root average diameter and root volume of M. malabathricum outperformed the other two plant species irrespective of soil pH. In terms of biomass, M. malabathricum exhibited the highest root and shoot dry weights followed by S. campanulatum. Thus, we propose M. malabathricum to be planted on slopes as a form of soil rehabilitation. The plant species displayed denser rooting, hence a stronger root anchorage that can hold the soil particles together which will be beneficial for slope stabilization.

Effect of Microbial Seed Treatment on Root Growth of Wheat under Compacted Soil Condition

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
SURAJIT MONDAL ◽  
DEBASHIS CHAKRABORTY ◽  
SANGEETA PAUL
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Soil Compaction ◽  
Seed Treatment ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Average Diameter ◽  
Soil Condition ◽  
Microbial Culture ◽  
Compacted Soil ◽  
Microbial Cultures

Soil compaction can seriously restrict root growth both in surface and subsurface soil layers, preventing the root system to uptake water and nutrients from deeper layers in wheat due to intensive puddling in rice. To understand the effect of compaction (BD1 = bulk density 1.4 g cm-3 and BD2 = 1.8 g cm-3) on root growth of wheat, a pot experiment was conducted in ambient condition during wheat growing period (November-April) in 2017-18. This experiment was done with microbially treated wheat seeds (M1 to M6) to observe the effects of microbial cultures on root growth under compacted soil condition in comparison to control where no seed treatment was done. BD1 registered a marginally 28% higher root length density than BD2. Among seed treatment with microbial cultures (MC), MC5 resulted in highest root length density (23% higher than the control). Unlike root length density, root volume density was influenced significantly (p less than 0.05) by microbial seed inoculation, although soil compaction had marginal impact. Average diameter of root varied significantly among treatments due to both soil compaction and microbial seed treatment (p less than 0.01). Average diameter was significantly higher (20%, p less than 0.01) in BD2 than BD1. MC2 recorded higher (45-33%, p less than 0.01) root diameter than other treatments but was comparable with MC3. It can be concluded that Seed treatment with suitable microbial culture can promote the crop growth in general and root growth in particular under compacted soil condition.

Understanding subsoil acidification: effect of nitrogen transformation and nitrate leaching

Soil Research ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Rengel ◽  
C. Tang ◽  
C. Raphael ◽  
J. W. Bowden
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Nitrate Leaching ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Soil Column ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Nitrogen Transformation ◽  
Column Experiments ◽  
Excess Water

Nitrification and nitrate leaching have been suggested to be major causes of soil acidification. However, it is unknown whether these processes cause subsoil acidification. Soil column experiments examined the effect of the addition of Ca(NO3)2 or (NH4)2SO4 to the topsoil horizon on subsoil acidification under nodulated lupins (Lupinus angustifolius L.) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). Nitrate leaching was achieved by adding excess water to the surface of the columns. Where basal nutrients were applied only to the top 10-cm layer, about 60–70% of the total root length of lupin and over 50% of subterranean clover were distributed in that layer. Plants grown without added nitrate for 105 days decreased soil pH at all layers but more significantly in the top 20 cm (by up to 0.7 units); the decrease in pH correlated well with increased root length density of both species (r 2 = 0 .9 8 , n = 9). The addition of Ca(NO3)2 to the top 10-cm layer caused less acidification by about 0.1 pH units at all depths than the treatment without Ca(NO3)2 . Where basal nutrients were applied uniformly throughout the column, root length density of lupin and subterranean clover tended to increase with depth. The addition of (NH4)2SO4 in the top 10 cm significantly increased NO3– concentration in all layers but NH4+ was mainly retained in the top 30-cm layer. Lupin and subterranean clover grown without added NH4+ for 82 days decreased soil pH by 0.3 units at all depths. Compared with the plants receiving no (NH4)2SO 4 , lupin grown with (NH4)2SO4 at 0–10 cm depth in the column caused more acidification by 0.05–0.2 pH units in the top 10 cm but less acidification by 0.15–0.17 units at 10–40 cm depth in the column; subterranean clover grown with (NH4)2SO4 caused more acidification by 0.35–0.46 units in the top 10 cm and less acidification by 0.14–0.19 units in the 20–50 cm layer. The results suggest that the leaching of nitrate from topsoil is unlikely to cause subsoil acidification. In contrast, the uptake of nitrate by the roots reduces net acid production in subsoil layers.

scholarly journals Biochar improves soil physical characteristics and strengthens root architecture in Muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia L.)

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuru Chang ◽  
Lorenzo Rossi ◽  
Lincoln Zotarelli ◽  
Bin Gao ◽  
Muhammad Adnan Shahid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Architecture ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Woody Plant ◽  
Average Diameter ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Physical Properties ◽  
Muscadine Grape

Abstract Background Biochar is widely assumed as an effective soil amendment. It improves soil structure and fertility, thereby enhancing crop growth and development. There is still a knowledge gap in research on the beneficial impact of biochar on root growth and root architecture in perennial woody plants. Therefore, in our 14-week greenhouse study, pinewood-based biochar was applied as soil amendment for muscadine grape cultivation to investigate its effects on soil physical properties and crop root growth. Muscadine grape cv. Alachua was grown on Ultisols soil mixed with five rates of biochar on weight basis. Soil mixture properties and root attributes were determined. Results The soil bulk density decreased 40% and the total porosity increased 50% by adding 20% biochar into pure sandy soil. The soil water-holding capacity (WHC) of 20% biochar amendment soil was 1.9 times as pure as sandy soil. In addition, the incorporation of biochar did not only ameliorate soil acidity at the beginning but also increased soil pH buffering capacity, providing suitable soil pH a few months after application. Moreover, biochar induced woody plant finer roots development and significantly promoted root length, number of root forks, and crossings, while decreasing root average diameter. Conclusions Pinewood biochar significantly improved soil physical properties by moderating soil thermal properties, buffering soil pH, improving soil WHC, decreasing soil bulk density, and increasing soil porosity. In addition, biochar also strengthened the root architecture by improving root length, number of root forks, and crossings. Furthermore, roots from the amended treatment had longer root length with less average diameter than unamended roots, indicating that biochar may stimulate muscadine fine root development. The incorporation of biochar in soil enhanced woody plant root growth and development improved soil structure in sandy soils. It could potentially be a good strategy to tackle water loss, particularly in sandy soils.

Sex-specifically responsive strategies to phosphorus availability combined with different soil nitrogen forms in dioecious Populus cathayana

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiucheng Liu ◽  
Yuting Wang ◽  
Shuangri Liu ◽  
Miao Liu
Keyword(s):  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Specific Root Length ◽  
P Uptake ◽  
Root Tip ◽  
P Availability ◽  
P Deficiency ◽  
Populus Cathayana ◽  
Leaf P ◽  
P Supply

Abstract Aims Phosphorus (P) availability and efficiency are especially important for plant growth and productivity. However, the sex-specific P acquisition and utilization strategies of dioecious plant species under different N forms are not clear. Methods This study investigated the responsive mechanisms of dioecious Populus cathayana females and males based on P uptake and allocation to soil P supply under N deficiency, nitrate (NO3 −) and ammonium (NH4 +) supply. Important Findings Females had a greater biomass, root length density (RLD), specific root length (SRL) and shoot P concentration than males under normal P availability with two N supplies. NH4 + supply led to higher total root length, RLD and SRL but lower root tip number than NO3 − supply under normal P supply. Under P deficiency, males showed a smaller root system but greater photosynthetic P availability and higher leaf P remobilization, exhibiting a better capacity to adaptation to P-deficiency than females. Under P deficiency, NO3 − supply increased leaf photosynthesis and PUE but reduced RLD and SRL in females while males had higher leaf P redistribution and photosynthetic PUE than NH4 + supply. Females had a better potentiality to cope with P deficiency under NO3 − supply than NH4 + supply; the contrary was true for males. These results suggest that females may devote to increase in P uptake and shoot P allocation under normal P availability, especially under NO3 − supply, while males adopt more efficient resource use and P remobilization to maximum their tolerance to P-deficiency.

Alkaline soil pH affects bulk soil, rhizosphere and root endosphere microbiomes of plants growing in a Sandhills ecosystem

2021 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Dantas Lopes ◽  
Jingjie Hao ◽  
Daniel P Schachtman
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Soil Microbial Communities ◽  
Bulk Soil ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Alkaline Soil ◽  
Alkaline Soils ◽  
Soil Microbial ◽  
Soil Rhizosphere

ABSTRACT Soil pH is a major factor shaping bulk soil microbial communities. However, it is unclear whether the belowground microbial habitats shaped by plants (e.g. rhizosphere and root endosphere) are also affected by soil pH. We investigated this question by comparing the microbial communities associated with plants growing in neutral and strongly alkaline soils in the Sandhills, which is the largest sand dune complex in the northern hemisphere. Bulk soil, rhizosphere and root endosphere DNA were extracted from multiple plant species and analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results showed that rhizosphere, root endosphere and bulk soil microbiomes were different in the contrasting soil pH ranges. The strongest impact of plant species on the belowground microbiomes was in alkaline soils, suggesting a greater selective effect under alkali stress. Evaluation of soil chemical components showed that in addition to soil pH, cation exchange capacity also had a strong impact on shaping bulk soil microbial communities. This study extends our knowledge regarding the importance of pH to microbial ecology showing that root endosphere and rhizosphere microbial communities were also influenced by this soil component, and highlights the important role that plants play particularly in shaping the belowground microbiomes in alkaline soils.

scholarly journals Root Phenotyping for Drought Tolerance: A Review

Agronomy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allah Wasaya ◽  
Xiying Zhang ◽  
Qin Fang ◽  
Zongzheng Yan
Keyword(s):  
Drought Tolerance ◽  
Crop Yield ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Canopy Temperature ◽  
Specific Root Length ◽  
Root Traits ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Root Phenotyping

Plant roots play a significant role in plant growth by exploiting soil resources via the uptake of water and nutrients. Root traits such as fine root diameter, specific root length, specific root area, root angle, and root length density are considered useful traits for improving plant productivity under drought conditions. Therefore, understanding interactions between roots and their surrounding soil environment is important, which can be improved through root phenotyping. With the advancement in technologies, many tools have been developed for root phenotyping. Canopy temperature depression (CTD) has been considered a good technique for field phenotyping of crops under drought and is used to estimate crop yield as well as root traits in relation to drought tolerance. Both laboratory and field-based methods for phenotyping root traits have been developed including soil sampling, mini-rhizotron, rhizotrons, thermography and non-soil techniques. Recently, a non-invasive approach of X-ray computed tomography (CT) has provided a break-through to study the root architecture in three dimensions (3-D). This review summarizes methods for root phenotyping. On the basis of this review, it can be concluded that root traits are useful characters to be included in future breeding programs and for selecting better cultivars to increase crop yield under water-limited environments.

scholarly journals Shallow Substrates Support the Growth of Contrasting Plant Types Installed in Irrigated, Arid-Climate Green Roofs1

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 146-155
Author(s):  
Lauren Forrest ◽  
Rachel Gioannini ◽  
Dawn M. VanLeeuwen ◽  
Rolston St. Hilaire
Keyword(s):  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Greenhouse Experiment ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Arid Climate ◽  
Evaporative Demand ◽  
Design Factor ◽  
Substrate Depth

Abstract Extreme evaporative demand makes substrate depth a critical design factor in arid-climate green roofs. The objective of this study was to determine whether a shallow irrigated substrate could support the growth of hens and chicks (Sempervivum calcareum L.) and iceplant [Delosperma nubigenum (Hook.f.) L.Bolus] in an arid environment. First, an experiment was conducted in the greenhouse that established that plants survived in 10 cm (3.9 in), 15 cm (5.9 in), and 20 cm (7.9 in) substrate depths, which then lead to a second experiment in an outdoor environment. The substrate was heat-expanded clay:sand:worm castings (6:3:1, by volume) in a greenhouse experiment and heat-expanded clay:zeolite:worm castings (6:3:1, by volume) in an outdoor experiment. In the greenhouse experiment, deep root length density (RLD) was significantly greater in the 10 cm-deep (3.9 in) substrate, while outdoors, deep RLD was highest for plants grown in the 15 cm-deep (5.9 in) substrate. Outdoors, iceplant had significantly greater mean coverage and shoot dry weight than hens and chicks. Lack of significant differences in quality and coverage due to substrate depth, coupled with higher RLD in the 10 cm (3.9 in) and 15 cm (5.9 in) depths in both experiments provides evidence that shallow irrigated substrates support the growth of both taxa. Index words: iceplant, hens and chicks, plant coverage, root length density, quality, zeolite, heat expanded clay. Species used in this study: hens and chicks (Sempervivum calcareum L.); iceplant [Delosperma nubigenum (Hook.f.) L. Bolus].

scholarly journals Liming Effects of Sawdust Ash and Lime on Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Yield in Acidic Soil of Southeastern Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
C. V. Ogbenna ◽  
V. E. Osodeke
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Acidic Soil ◽  
Soil Chemical Properties ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Yield Data ◽  
Southeastern Nigeria ◽  
Head Weight

Aim: A pot experiment was carried out to determine the effect of sawdust ash and lime (Ca(OH)2) on soil characteristics and yield of sunflower in acidic soil of southeastern Nigeria. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split-plot design, using sawdust ash (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 t ha-1) as the sub plot and lime (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 t ha-1) as the main plot. Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted outdoors at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria, during the 2010 planting season. Materials and Methods: Treatment combinations were applied to the 60 buckets containing soil, mixed thoroughly and watered adequately. After 1 week of treatment application, two sunflower seeds were planted and later thinned to one seedling per bucket. Plant growth and yield data were collected. Pre planting and post-harvest soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil properties. Results: Results showed that with the exception of organic carbon there was significant effect of treatments on all soil chemical properties. Lime and sawdust ash (SDA) as single and combined treatments significantly increased total nitrogen (P=0.05), available phosphorus (P<0.010), and base saturation (P<0.012). The interaction between SDA and lime significantly (P=0.05) increased total exchangeable bases and effective cation exchange capacity, while soil pH was significantly increased (P=0.05) by single applications. The increases in soil chemical properties led to significant positive response of the sunflower. With the exception of number of leaves, other plant parameters (Plant height, stem diameter, head weight, 50 seed weight, head diameter) had significant increases for sawdust ash alone at P=0.05. Correlation studies showed positive significant relationship between soil pH and sunflower yield. Conclusion: The study showed that sunflower performed best at the combination of 3 tha-1 SDA and 1.5 t ha-1 lime producing a mean head weight of 45.4 g.

scholarly journals Elevated carbon dioxide and temperature effects on rooting behaviour of grape cuttings

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-264
Author(s):  
SHRUTHI REDDY L ◽  
GOPALA KRISHNA REDDY A ◽  
VANAJA. M ◽  
MARUTHI. V. ◽  
VANAJA LATHA. K.
Keyword(s):  
Root Length ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Total Root Length ◽  
Thompson Seedless ◽  
Root Volume ◽  
Software Analysis ◽  
Root Parameters ◽  
Dry Biomass ◽  
Grape Varieties ◽  
The Impact

An experiment was laid out to study the impact of eCO2 (550ppm), eT (+3ºC) and their interaction (eCO2+eT) on rooting behaviour of cuttings of three grape varieties- Thompson Seedless, Bangalore Blue, and Dogridge in FATE and OTC facilities. Observations were recorded at 50 and 80 days after planting (DAP) and root growth data was recorded and analysed using WinRHIZO root scanner and its software. Analysis revealed that, among the selected grape varieties, Thompson Seedless cuttings has shown highest number of roots, root volume and dry biomass under eCO2 and eCO2+ eT conditions, while total root length and root length density were highest with Bangalore Blue. Under eT condition, Bangalore Blue showed highest number of roots, total root length and root length density, while root volume and dry biomass was highest with Thompson Seedless. The per se values of root parameters under all conditions and their response to eCO2 was lowest with Dogridge. Though eT condition reduced all the root parameters, their performance improved under eCO2+ eT indicating the presence of higher concentration of CO2 reduced the ill effects of high temperature. Overall, eCO2 and eCO2+eT conditions improved root parameters of grape varieties, while eT reduced them as compared to their performance under ambient condition and varietal variation is significant.

scholarly journals Above and Belowground Growth of Corymbia maculata in a Constructed Soil: The Effect of Profile Design and Organic Amendment

2010 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17
Author(s):  
Karen Smith ◽  
Peter May ◽  
Robert White
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Organic Amendment ◽  
Root Length Density ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Fertilizer Treatment ◽  
Coir Fiber ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Profile Design

Spotted gum (Corymbia maculata (Hook.) K.D. Hill & L.A.S. Johnson), a common street tree in southern Australian cities, was used to assess growth responses to variations in profile design and organic amendment of constructed soils. Aboveground growth responses were total stem dry weight and foliar nutrient content. The belowground response was root length density. Soil profiles were constructed of sand, amended with either coir fiber, composted biosolids or composted green waste, at rates of 0, 5, 10 or 20% by volume. The profiles were either layered, with a 150 mm (6 in) organic-amended surface layer, or uniform, with amendment of the entire profile. A single fertilizer treatment was applied to all profiles. Shoot dry weight was only affected by organic matter type with the greatest growth in sand amended with composted biosolids. Foliage P and K content were affected by amendment but foliage N was not. Profile design affected root length density and distribution. Trees in uniform profiles had greater root length density, and a more uniform distribution of roots, especially with compost amendments. Above- and belowground growth increases are thought to be due to increased nutrient status resulting from organic matter mineralization.

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