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Root Development and Rooting Patterns of Soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Evaluated Under Field Conditions 1
Author(s) -
Mitchell R. L.,
Russell W. J.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1971.00021962006300020034x
Subject(s) - taproot , sowing , root system , lateral root , growing season , biology , horticulture , dry weight , vegetative reproduction , agronomy , botany , biochemistry , arabidopsis , mutant , gene
The soybean ( Glycine max L.) root system, by 21 days after planting, consisted primarily of secondary lateral roots that had developed from an enlarged upper 10‐ to 15‐cm segment of the “taproot.” Four longitudinal rows of lateral roots spaced at 90 degree intervals around the taproot developed acropetally. These laterals grew horizontally for 40 to 50 days and, after reaching 35 to 40 cm in length, turned downward, providing extensive deep penetration of the soil profile. Root growth and development occurred in three phases, each phase corresponding to specific vegetative or reproductive stages. The completion of each phase of development represented further penetration of the soil profile and proliferation by the root system. Root dry weight was concentrated in the upper portion of the soil profile, 90% or more in the upper 7.5 cm early in the season and in the upper 15 cm during the remainder of the season. Differences were observed among the eight varieties sampled for rate of root developmnt, total root dryweight accumulated, and type of rooting pattern.