Summary
More precise effects of soil temperature on the direction of corn root growth were determined by growing seedlings in soil for short periods in growth cabinets controlled to give a range of soil temperature conditions.
The angle of growth (relative to the horizontal) was found to be minimum (10°) at constant 17°C. Above or below this temperature (10–30°C), a more vertical direction occurred. Cyclic temperatures also influenced direction, with the maximum of the cycle apparently determining the angle. The duration of the maximum temperature period in a cycle necessary to initiate a direction effect was not determined, however.
The significance of these findings in the field is that modifications of soil temperatures by mulches, etc. probably influence the distribution of roots in the rooting zone of soils. This in turn means that plant behaviour such as moisture and nutrient uptake can be better explained or managed for maximum performance.
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Former graduate student. Present address, Ministry of the Environment, 135 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4W IP5. Support received through Canada Department of Agriculture Grant 1045.
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Onderdonk, J.J., Ketcheson, J.W. Effect of soil temperature on direction of corn root growth. Plant Soil 39, 177–186 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00018055
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00018055