Identification of deep-rooting crop species in arable subsoil by the minirhizotron technique

Summary in the original language of the document

Our current understanding of the plant deep root system and its relevance for crop production is limited. A field trial was established in order to monitor the root growth of various deep-rooted crops down to 5 m of soil depth with the minirhizotron technique. Root intensity (RI: intersections m-1) and maximum rooting depth (m) of seven different crop species indicate varying degree of root penetration capacity among the tested crops. Overall, within one season over 89 % of RI was concentrated at 0-1.0 m of soil depth. Sugar beet (1.4 m) as an annual crop showed the most rapid root growth rate (10.6 mm day-1). On average the perennials resulted in 0.7 m of maximum rooting depth (5.6 mm day-1), which indicates their potential to establish deep root systems in coming seasons.