Responses of a root system structure to soil compaction stress among maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids

Abstract

Effects of soil compaction stress were investigated in maize hybrids subjected to low (L‐1.10), medium (M‐1.30) and high (H‐1.60 g/cm3) soil compaction. The hybrids selected for the study differed in their susceptibility to growth under soil compaction stress conditions. We used appropriate methods of non‐destructive cleaning and analysis of all intact compartments of the root system. Petrolatum–wax test, proved as an effective screening technique for selecting resistant and sensitive maize hybrids, was also employed. The seedlings were grown in custom‐made ‘root‐box’ and ‘root‐basket’ containers. The penetration resistance (PR) strength of 0.52 and 1.07 MPa was satisfactory for estimating root penetration index (RPA) among maize hybrids. The soil compaction stress affected root system structure (RSS) in maize hybrids. The resistant hybrids showed a lower decrease in root dry matter (DM) in M and H treatments at 0.0–15 cm soil depth, and an increase in the number of roots growing at an angle of 0°–30° in relation to the main growth axis, comparing to sensitive hybrids. The soil compaction stress lowered root number (RN) and length (RL), shoot and root DM, and increased shoot to root ratio (S/R). The changes were greater in sensitive than in resistant hybrids. In addition, a regression coefficient (R2) between stress susceptibility index (SSI) and relative trace change (RTC) marked for changes in dry matter of shoot (S), roots (R), shoot to root (S/R) ratio and root length (RL) and number RN was statistically significant. Seedlings of maize single‐cross hybrids demonstrated differences in their responses to soil compaction stress, which caused changes in shoot and root dry matter and the distribution of roots in the soil profile.

Separate or combined effects of soil compaction and/or drought on gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and physiological traits of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids

“…Our and other authors' previous reports indicated that soil compaction and soil drought induced significant loss in grain and biomass yield and changes in physiological processes and anatomical and morphological features (Clark et al, 2003; Grzesiak et al, 2017, 2021a, 2021b; Masle, 2002; Mommer et al, 2006; Rut et al, 2022). Our findings described in this paper confirmed variable susceptibility of maize to soil compaction and drought as well as to a combination of these stresses.…”

“…Our and other authors' previous reports indicated that soil compaction and soil drought induced significant loss in grain and biomass yield and changes in physiological processes and anatomical and morphological features (Clark et al, 2003;Grzesiak et al, 2017Grzesiak et al, , 2021aGrzesiak et al, , 2021bMasle, 2002;Mommer et al, 2006;Rut et al, 2022).…”

Effect of soil drought on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids grown under compacted soil

“…The response of cereal species to the combined effect of soil compaction and soil drought depends on the species, variety and the level and duration of these factors. The reports published so far point out that the soil compaction and soil drought stresses significantly affect grain yield, biomass and many physiological and morphological processes (Atkinson et al, 2019; Boyer, 1982; Correa et al, 2019; Ehlers & Gross, 2003; Fageria et al, 2006; Grzesiak et al, 2017; King, 2011; Rut et al, 2022; Yamauchi, 1993).…”

“…The experiments involved single‐crosses maize hybrids selected in regard to our earlier research, and the information provided by breeders (Grzesiak et al, 2021; Rut et al, 2022; Table 1).…”

“…Details on the greenhouse experimental conditions were described in our earlier paper (Grzesiak et al, 2021; Rut et al, 2022). The greenhouse experiments (exp.…”