Strangulation of Cotton Roots

Abstract

In 1923, specimens of a peculiar and, until recently, puzzling cotton root trouble were received. The specimens were of cotton plants with welldeveloped tops but with extremely shallow and very greatly reduced root systems ( fig. 1 a)

Pans in the Southern Great Plains Soils. I. Why Root‐Restricting Pans Occur1

“…P ANS that restrict plant rooting have been observed in Southern Plains soils for over 40 years (3,4,14,16, and others). These pans affect plant root systems in two general ways.…”

“…These pans affect plant root systems in two general ways. First, plant roots may penetrate the soil pan but are unable to expand their diameter later in the growing season ( 8,14). These pans cause girdled taproots in which transport of water and nutrients is restricted.…”

Cotton Growth and Yield as Affected by Taproot Diameter Within a Simulated Restraining Soil Layer1

“…S EVERAL investigators have shown that soil physical conditions may mechanically impede root development in cotton (1)(2)(3)(4) . In most instances roots were prevented from penetrating through a specific soil zone.…”

“…In most instances roots were prevented from penetrating through a specific soil zone. However, Taubenhaus et al ( 4) described a soil condition where the cotton roots penetrated but were unable to expand radially within the compacted zone of soil. Lotspeich et al (3) also discussed a somewhat similar phenomenon.…”

Soil compaction and corn growth

“…Such a layer caused the beets to push out of the ground as they grew, and they were short, giving a low yield with a low sugar content; however, Townsend does not cite data to support the above. Taubenhaus, et al (1931) found that compact soils prevented or seriously affected cotton root penetration in Texas. Phillips (1955) The tubes were watered with nutrient solution periodically and were allowed to drain freely through the bottom, thereby ensuring adequate aeration of the roots.…”