Publication Date

1993

Description

A vigorous rooting system is a vital strategy developed by acid•soil• tolerant forage species to cope with soil acidity constraints. The biomass of standing roots and its distribution was characterised under grazing in pastures of Brachiaria decumbens and Arachis pintoi grown alone and in association. Soil cores showed that standing root biomass to the depth of 100 cm was higher than the above ground biomass in the single species pastures. However, the relation was reversed in the grass•legume association. Root mapping showed that while the largest percentage of roots was located in the 0·20 cm depth of soil of the 3 pastures, a small proportion (5• 15%) of roots were observed at I m depth.

Share

COinS
 

Standing Root Biomass and Root Distribution in Brachiaria decumbens- Arachis pintoi Pastures Under Grazing

A vigorous rooting system is a vital strategy developed by acid•soil• tolerant forage species to cope with soil acidity constraints. The biomass of standing roots and its distribution was characterised under grazing in pastures of Brachiaria decumbens and Arachis pintoi grown alone and in association. Soil cores showed that standing root biomass to the depth of 100 cm was higher than the above ground biomass in the single species pastures. However, the relation was reversed in the grass•legume association. Root mapping showed that while the largest percentage of roots was located in the 0·20 cm depth of soil of the 3 pastures, a small proportion (5• 15%) of roots were observed at I m depth.