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A Method for Taking Small Monoliths for Plant Root Studies 1
Author(s) -
Kauffman M. D.,
Gardner E. H.
Publication year - 1978
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/agronj1978.00021962007000030040x
Subject(s) - medicago sativa , plant root , monolith , agronomy , lime , root system , plant growth , environmental science , fibrous root system , chemistry , horticulture , biology , paleontology , biochemistry , catalysis
Observations of plant root growth can be important in studies involving soil‐plant relationships. A simple method for removing and exposing plant root systems was developed to study the effect of lime treatments on the root growth of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) and wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). A chain saw was used to remove monoliths containing partial root systems and the soil was removed from the root systems using a washing technique which consisted of a detergent pre‐treatment and subsequent oscillation of the monolith in a water bath. The monolith was mounted on a grid of nails to reduce displacement of the root system during the washing process. Using this procedure the effects of lime treatments on root growth were observed.