Optimizing soil-coring strategies to quantify root-length-density distribution in field-grown maize: virtual coring trials using 3-D root architecture models.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Root distribution has a major influence on soil exploration and nutrient and water acquisition by plants. Soil coring is a well-known way to estimate root distribution. However, identifying an optimal core-sampling strategy is important if one is to strike the right balance between the high cost of making field estimates of root length density (RLD) vs. the need for accurate estimates. Virtual assessment of competing soil-coring strategies, based on three-dimensional (3-D) models of root system architecture (RSA), is a highly effective way to find that balance.

Methods

The trajectories of the axile roots of two maize cultivars having contrasting axile root angles were measured in the field using in situ 3-D digitization. Lateral roots were also measured b

SUBMITTER: Wu Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5906962 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature