A comparison of the root growth, root morphology and root response to defoliation of Aristida ramosa R.Br. and Danthonia linkii Kunth

Abstract

Establishing plants of Aristida ramosa R.Br. and Danthonia linkii Kunth grown in root observation tubes differed markedly in their root growth and root morphology. Radicle extension of A. ramosa proceeded far more rapidly than that of D. linkii, and root branching occurred earlier and to a much greater extent in D. linkii. From 2 months after germination onwards, the maximum rooting depth of A. vamosa was greater than that of D. linkii, although total root dry weights for the two species were not significantly different. At 25 weeks from germination, 48 % of the root dry weight of D. linkii was present in the 0-10 cm level of the soil profile, while the corresponding figure for A. ramosa was 33 %. Root weight and rooting depth of both species were severely reduced by foliage clipping at weekly or monthly intervals, with roots being more sensitive to clipping than shoots. Clipping led to a concentration of root mass in the 0-10 cm level. The rapidly establishing seedling root system of A. vamosa would give it a competitive advantage over D. linkii in the environment of the north-western slopes of New South Wales. The results of the clipping trial suggest that grazing management may be manipulated to alter the relative abundance of A. ramosa and D. linkii in native pastures.