Clipping effects on root architecture and morphology of 3 range grasses
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Authors: J. T. Arredondo, and D. A. Johnson
Date: 1998
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 51
Number: 2
Pages: 207-213
Summary of Methods: Arredondo and Johnson studied the effects of simulated grazing at different intensities (0, 50, and 70% utilization) and frequencies (single or repeated defoliation) on root architecture and morphology, of three grassland species that are common in the western United States, bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum), and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Specific root length, which can represent a plant's ability to utilize soil resources, was maintained in cheatgrass plants throughout the study with and without clipping. In contrast, specific root length decreased in the absence of grazing and increased in the presence of grazing in crested wheatgrass and bluebunch wheatgrass. Bluebunch wheatgrass and crested wheatgrass plant root response to defoliation varied greatly from cheatgrass, which increased link length and decreased interbranch distance and root diameter. Bluebunch wheatgrass decreased link length and increased interbranch distance and root diameter in response to grazing. Although the root system growth and response to grazing differed among these three plant species, the underlying strategy of all three plant species was to increase the acquisition of soil resources for plant growth.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: root topology, link length, defoliation, bluebunch wheatgrass, pseudoroegneria spicata, crested wheatgrass, agropyron desertorum, cheatgrass, bromus tectorum
Annotation: Plants were grown in a greenhouse and three rates of clipping intensity (0, 50, 70% shoot removal) were applied one or two times (days 21 and 26). Plants were harvested for measurements on days 28, 35, and 42.
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