Construction and application of a new index for root architecture quantification in arid and semi-arid regions

During the restoration of degraded vegetation, the mutual matching of underground root systems is crucial for the formation and effective function of the future plant community. In this study, the Amoeba graphic method was integrated to comprehensively establish a root framework index (RFI), based o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in environmental science 2023-07, Vol.11
Main Authors: Li, Qiang, Ai, Feng, Kang, Furen, Zhang, Zheng, Tuo, Dengfeng
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alfalfa
Amoeba
Arid regions
Arid zones
Biomass
Bulk density
Computer architecture
Credibility
degraded vegetation
Environmental science
Graphical methods
Morphology
Panicum virgatum
Plant communities
Plant populations
root density
Root development
root framework degree
root framework index
root structure
Roots
Semi arid areas
Semiarid lands
Soil density
System effectiveness
Vegetation
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Summary:During the restoration of degraded vegetation, the mutual matching of underground root systems is crucial for the formation and effective function of the future plant community. In this study, the Amoeba graphic method was integrated to comprehensively establish a root framework index (RFI), based on the three dimensions of root morphology, as well as quantitative and spatial connection characteristics, to quantify the root system architecture. The root development characteristics of alfalfa (T-type), switchgrass (F-type), and mixed planting with alfalfa and switchgrass (T+F-type) were monitored at the test positions. The RFI parameters comprise the acting coefficient of the root framework, root density, root framework degree, and soil bulk density. The RFI values of T-, F-, and T + F-type were 0.38, 0.86, and 1.68, respectively, and were found to provide a well representation of the root structure characteristics. The findings obtained in this study provide scientific support for the ecological construction and evaluation of degraded vegetation.
ISSN:2296-665X
2296-665X
DOI:10.3389/fenvs.2023.1214372