Exploring The Total Soil Volume: Root Length Densities And Rooting Depth Of Different Cover Crops Determined With The Profile Wall Method

Summary

Roots of cover crops are important for nutrient uptake and prevention of nitrogen leaching. Root length density (RLD) and rooting depth of eight cover crop species were determined with the profile wall method before and after winter. High RLD was found for winter rye and crimson clover. A gain in RLD during winter was detected for winter rye and crimson clover, whereas bristle oat, oil radish, oil radish ‘deeptill’ and phacelia reduced RLD during winter. Great rooting depth before winter were found for oil radish and winter turnip rape. Mixtures of cover crops with a high RLD and a deep-rooting cover crops might be an approach to enlarge nitrogen uptake from the soil by cover crops’ roots.