Publication Date
1997
Description
Seasonal changes in grass root and mat weight density were documented under different cutting managements. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) received one annual cut, twice yearly forage harvest, and mown turf treatments. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) received one annual and twice yearly cutting treatments. Soil cores were collected to a 15 cm depth and divided into 7.5 cm increments. Roots and mat were recovered, washed, dried and weighed. Differences in years, seasons, species, treatments, and soil depth significantly influenced total root weight density and fine root density. With all species and treatments, new root growth was very heavy in spring, ceased at the beginning of summer, and resumed in the fall. Differences in the seasons, grass species, and cutting treatments significantly influenced mat weight density. The amount of roots present, cycles of growth and senescence, and subsequent root:soil interactions all have seasonal differences.
Citation
Stetson, D L. and Sullivan, W M., "Clipping Intensity Impacts on Root Mass Variation of Cool Season Grasses" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1997-2023). 12.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session12/12
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Clipping Intensity Impacts on Root Mass Variation of Cool Season Grasses
Seasonal changes in grass root and mat weight density were documented under different cutting managements. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) received one annual cut, twice yearly forage harvest, and mown turf treatments. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) received one annual and twice yearly cutting treatments. Soil cores were collected to a 15 cm depth and divided into 7.5 cm increments. Roots and mat were recovered, washed, dried and weighed. Differences in years, seasons, species, treatments, and soil depth significantly influenced total root weight density and fine root density. With all species and treatments, new root growth was very heavy in spring, ceased at the beginning of summer, and resumed in the fall. Differences in the seasons, grass species, and cutting treatments significantly influenced mat weight density. The amount of roots present, cycles of growth and senescence, and subsequent root:soil interactions all have seasonal differences.
