Rhizometer: An Apparatus to Observe and Measure Root Growth and Its Effect on Container Substrate Physical Properties Over Time

Judd, Lesley A.; Jackson, Brian E.; Fonteno, William C.

doi:10.21273/hortsci.50.2.288

Cited by 9 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 18 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Root growth has been shown to alter substrate physical characteristics (Altland et al, 2011;Judd et al, 2015), and more importantly these changes to the physical environment influence water movement (Cannavo et al, 2011). In general, through the process of crop production, substrates' physical properties are modified over time, where CC is increased and AS is decreased (Altland et al, 2018).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Single-screen Bark Particle Separation Can be Used to Engineer Stratified Substrate Systems

Fields

Criscione

Edwards

2022

hortte

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Substrate stratification is an emerging substrate management strategy involving layering multiple substrate materials within a single container to modify physiochemical characteristics of the substrate system. Specifically, stratifying allows growers and researchers to rearrange the air–water balance within a container to modify hydraulic characteristics. Moreover, fertilizer can be incorporated into just the upper strata to reduce leaching. Research to date has shown benefits associated with resource efficiency, production timing, and weed control. With the associated benefits for substrate stratification, interested growers will need pragmatic solutions for onsite trials. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify a cost-effective solution for growers interested in exploring stratification options. As such, this research was designed to identify a single-screen bark separation to generate fine and coarse bark textures suitable for use as the top and bottom substrate strata. Loblolly pine bark (Pinus taeda) was screened with either a 4.0-mm, 1/4-inch, or 3/8-inch screen, with the particles passing through the screen (unders) separated from retained particles (overs). Stratified substrate systems were engineered with an individual screen wherein the fines were layered atop the coarse particles from the same screen. ‘Natchez’ crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) liners were planted in either of the three stratified substrate treatments or a nonstratified control. Substrate physical characteristics were assessed for each strata by pre- and postproduction properties to identify changes of substrate. The final growth index of the crop was unaffected by the substrate treatment (P = 0.90); however, stratified substrates did increase dry root weight (P = 0.02), with the smallest screen (4.0 mm) resulting in the greatest root weight. Separation of roots between the two strata indicated the presence of more roots in the upper strata in all substrates. However, the stratified substrates resulted in a greater shift in root location, encouraging increased rooting in the upper strata with fine particles, with the largest screen (3/8 inch) resulting in the greatest differentiation between upper and lower rooting. Each stratified treatment had increase in water-holding capacity in the lower (coarser) strata without changes in the upper strata. Thus, we conclude that single screens can be used to build stratified substrate systems. Moreover, screen aperture size may be used to achieve different outcomes with regard to root growth and development as well as water–air balance. Further research may indicate that screen selection may be used to target specific crop needs.

show abstract

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Single-screen Bark Particle Separation Can be Used to Engineer Stratified Substrate Systems

Fields

Criscione

Edwards

2022

hortte

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Judd et al . [ 68 ] found that the measured total root length from tracings of several plants grown in rhizometers were highly correlated to the dry mass of the root system, therefore potentially reducing the need to destructively wash and extract roots from the substrate.…”

Section: Methods For Measuring Root Growthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advancements in Root Growth Measurement Technologies and Observation Capabilities for Container-Grown Plants

Judd

Jackson

Fonteno

2015

Plants

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The study, characterization, observation, and quantification of plant root growth and root systems (Rhizometrics) has been and remains an important area of research in all disciplines of plant science. In the horticultural industry, a large portion of the crops grown annually are grown in pot culture. Root growth is a critical component in overall plant performance during production in containers, and therefore it is important to understand the factors that influence and/or possible enhance it. Quantifying root growth has varied over the last several decades with each method of quantification changing in its reliability of measurement and variation among the results. Methods such as root drawings, pin boards, rhizotrons, and minirhizotrons initiated the aptitude to measure roots with field crops, and have been expanded to container-grown plants. However, many of the published research methods are monotonous and time-consuming. More recently, computer programs have increased in use as technology advances and measuring characteristics of root growth becomes easier. These programs are instrumental in analyzing various root growth characteristics, from root diameter and length of individual roots to branching angle and topological depth of the root architecture. This review delves into the expanding technologies involved with expertly measuring root growth of plants in containers, and the advantages and disadvantages that remain.

show abstract

“…As the root system grows, it will access the lower strata, which will have greater air content and lower substrate volumetric water content (VWC). In theory, the air-to-water ratio in the coarse bottom strata would shift toward decreased air-filled porosity due to roots filling pores and changing the porosity [23,24].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Substrate Stratification: Layering Unique Substrates within a Container Increases Resource Efficiency without Impacting Growth of Shrub Rose

2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Nurseries rely on soilless substrates to provide suitable growing media for container grown crops. These soilless substrates have been developed to readily drain water to prevent issues with waterlogging and associated soil-borne disease. A negative consequence of high porosity and subsequent drainage throughout the container profile is the required high or frequent irrigation rates with poor retention of applied nutrients. Substrates with relatively high levels of moisture and nutrient retention placed on top of a coarse and freely draining substrate could further optimize water and nutrient retention, while allowing for needed gas exchange for plant establishment and growth. Containerized Red Drift® rose (Rosa ‘Meigalpio’ PP17877) plants were grown under 16 mm or 12 mm daily irrigation, utilizing a traditional pine bark substrate or stratified substrates with either a conventional bark, bark fines, or a bark–peat mixture on top of a coarse bark within a container. The stratified substrates received 20% less controlled-release fertilizer; however, the fertilizer in the stratified treatments was concentrated in the upper strata only. During the first growing phase or season, plants grown in stratified substrates outperformed those grown in conventional, non-stratified bark substrates under normal irrigation. The stratified substrates did not reduce growth under reduced irrigation regimes. Overall, crop growth was equal or superior for stratified substrates when compared to the non-stratified controls, even with a 20% reduction of fertilizer. This research suggests that stratified substrate systems can be used to reduce fertilizer and irrigation rates while producing crops of similar or superior quality to conventionally grown containerized crops.

show abstract

Rhizometer: An Apparatus to Observe and Measure Root Growth and Its Effect on Container Substrate Physical Properties Over Time

Cited by 9 publications

References 18 publications

Single-screen Bark Particle Separation Can be Used to Engineer Stratified Substrate Systems

Single-screen Bark Particle Separation Can be Used to Engineer Stratified Substrate Systems

Advancements in Root Growth Measurement Technologies and Observation Capabilities for Container-Grown Plants

Substrate Stratification: Layering Unique Substrates within a Container Increases Resource Efficiency without Impacting Growth of Shrub Rose

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About