Age-related changes in root dynamics of a novel perennial grain crop

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Abstract

Background: Standing root biomass stocks are larger in the perennial grain intermediate wheatgrass (IWG; Thinopyrum intermedium [Host] Barkworth and Dewey) than annual spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, previous studies have not separated root growth from root decomposition, which presents a significant gap in our understanding of how roots can contribute to soil organic carbon (C) accrual or other soil properties through time. Methods: We used paired sequential coring and root ingrowth cores to measure standing root stock, new root production, root decomposition, and decomposed root C and N from 0 to 15 cm soil depth of 1-year-old IWG (IWG-1), 2-year-old IWG (IWG-2), and annual spring wheat. Results: Standing root stock was 3.2–6.5 and 6.3–9.9 times higher in IWG-1 and IWG-2 than wheat. Total root production was 1.7 times greater in IWG-1 than IWG-2. Conversely, root decomposition almost doubled from 1.39 to 2.43 kg m−3 between IWG-1 and IWG-2. Conclusions: In IWG, decreased root production and increased root decomposition with stand age suggest a change in growth strategy that could reduce the contribution of root-derived C to stabilized soil C pools as IWG stands age.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)57-68
Number of pages12
JournalGrassland Research
Volume3
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Authors. Grassland Research published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Chinese Grassland Society and Lanzhou University.

Keywords

  • Kernza
  • intermediate wheatgrass
  • perennial grain
  • root decomposition
  • root growth
  • root ingrowth cores
  • root–soil interactions

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