Monitoring roots of grazed rangeland vegetation with the root periscope/mini-rhizotron technique
-
-
Authors: M. G. Karl, and P. S. Doescher
Date: 1991
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 44
Number: 3
Pages: 296-298
Summary of Methods: Karl and Doescher monitored the effects of cattle grazing on root growth to determine if the mini-rhizotron technique was suitable for grazed rangelands. Despite stocking densities of about 2.7-4.4 AU/ha and 19 days of grazing during 1988, trampling and breakage of mini-rhizotrons on the cattle-grazed area was minimal. Defoliation by cattle had a negative impact on the relative number of roots for grazed orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) in June and July. The authors offer suggestions for using the mini-rhizotron technique to monitor root growth on grazed rangelands and minimize damage to equipment. This technique could be used for successful monitoring on grazed rangelands.
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: cattle grazing, root growth, dactylis glomerata, orchardgrass, grazing impacts, root periscope/ mini-rhizotron
Annotation: Stocking density ranged from 2.7 - 4.4 AU/ha during the study. Remaining stubble heights of orchardgrass plants ranged from 6.9 - 12.1cm. Grazing intensity was defined as "ungrazed" and "grazed".
-
Get article
Cite article with DOI
-