Thivierge, M.N. and Angers, D.A. and Chantigny, M.H. and et al, . (2016) Root Traits and Carbon Input in Field-Grown Sweet Pearl Millet, Sweet Sorghum, and Grain Corn. Agronomy Journal, 108 (1). pp. 459-471.
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Abstract
Little information exists on root morphological characteristics of agricultural crops under field conditions, which can be a major determinant of plant N uptake efficiency and C input to soil. Sweet pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.BR.] and sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] are envisioned as energy crops in eastern Canada, to complement corn starch ethanol. The aims of this study were to characterize and compare root biomass and root traits of field-grown sweet pearl millet, sweet sorghum, and grain corn (Zea mays L.), and to estimate their annual C input to soil. At two sites in eastern Canada, root samples recovered from 30-cm deep soil cores in sandy loams were weighed and scanned. Image analysis was performed with the WinRhizo software. Roots and shoots were analyzed for C concentration. Estimated C input to soil at harvest was higher for corn (243 g C m–2) than for sorghum and millet (197 and 131 g C m–2, respectively). In contrast, millet and sorghum had the greatest specific root lengths (83, 39, and 22 m g–1 for millet, sorghum, and corn, respectively), and a larger contribution of very fine roots (<0.5 mm diam.) to the total root surface (60–63% for millet and sorghum, and 45–55% for corn). The longer and finer roots of millet and sorghum could contribute to their high N uptake efficiency. However, compared to grain corn, their lower C input to soil needs to be recognized to ensure a balanced C budget.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Morphological characteristics, Sweet pearl millet, Root biomass, Compared to grain corn |
| Author Affiliation: | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2560 Hochelaga Blvd., Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 2J3 |
| Subjects: | Crop Improvement |
| Divisions: | Millet Sorghum |
| Depositing User: | Mr B Krishnamurthy |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Nov 2016 10:41 |
| Last Modified: | 14 Nov 2016 10:41 |
| Official URL: | http://dx.doi.org/10.2134/agronj2015.0291 |
| URI: | http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/14553 |
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