Development and Distribution of the Corn Root System Under Field Conditions¹

Abstract

The rate of corn (Zea mays L.) root growth in the field and root distribution in the soil as related to stage of plant growth has not been studied in detail. To obtain more information we measured the length, fresh weight, and distribution of corn roots at time intervals between planting and harvest in 1970 and 1971. The study was made on corn growing on Chalmers silt loam soil at Lafayette, Indiana. Grain yields were 6,160 kg/ ha in 1970 and 11,700 kg/ha in 1971. Root length and fresh weight increased rapidly for 80 days following planting, remained relatively constant for 14 days, and then decreased rapidly when the plants were in the reproductive stage. A maximum root density of 4.1 cm/cm3 occurred in the 0 to 15 cm zone at 79 days. The lower soil zones reached maximum root density 1 to 2 weeks later than in the 0 to 15 cm zone. Root density in the 0 to 15 cm zone was greater in cores taken midway between plants in the row than at other locations. Maximum root length was 153 cm/cm2 of surface area at 86 days.

Land use and wetland drainage affect water levels and dynamics of remaining wetlands

“…Alternatively, row crops have greater evapotranspiration rates than grasses thus, they could be essentially pulling or intercepting groundwater from a wetland (see Hayashi et al 1998). We suspect that, during drier periods, terminal wetlands in cropped landscapes had smaller water surface areas because crops were utilizing precipitation before it ran off into the wetlands or perhaps that the deep roots of crops (Mengel andBarber 1974, Mayaki et al 1976) were utilizing groundwater and decreasing the water surface areas of the wetlands by changing flow direction. We believe this hypothesis deserves future study, especially in light of the marked changes in cropping practices (e.g., shift from small grains to corn and soybeans) that have occurred recently in this region.…”

Rooting Characteristics of Corn, Soybeans and Barley as a Function of Available Water and Soil Physical Characteristics

“…This development occurs later than expected and later than that reported in the literature; e.9., Mengel and Barber (1974) For personal use only. with depth using Eq.…”

Efeitos da integração lavoura-pecuária nas propriedades físicas do solo e características da cultura do milho

“…Esses processos têm relação com a disponibilidade de oxigênio, água e nutrientes, pois a mobilidade destes depende dos fluxos ocorridos no espaço poroso (Hillel, 1980). A restrição ao crescimento das raízes reduz também a interceptação radicular, processo dependente da distribuição e densidade das raízes (Mengel & Barber, 1974). A compactação pode reduzir a produtividade das culturas, sendo a cultura do milho sensível a este processo.…”