Alfalfa has a long taproot that pene-trates more deeply into the soil than crops such as corn or wheat which have more fibrous, shallow roots. Under favorable conditions, alfalfa roots may penetrate over 20 feet deep. This great rooting depth gives alfalfa excellent drought tolerance. Sloping fields where erosion is a
Alfalfa Roots 101
2024年11月6日 · When comparing alfalfa's taproot system to other types, such as fibrous and rhizomatous roots, several differences emerge. Taproots provide superior access to water and nutrients, enhancing soil stability and resilience, especially in challenging growing conditions.
Alfalfa Plant Roots and Stems: an In-depth Look
2024年4月22日 · Alfalfa plants have a taproot system, where a primary root develops from the seed shortly after germination. This primary root grows vertically into the soil, anchoring the plant and providing stability against wind and other environmental factors.
Root Development of Field Crops: Chapter XIII - Soil and Health
Like the wild legumes of the grassland, alfalfa is deeply rooted. The seedling usually gives rise to a single taproot which takes a vertically downward course. Considerable variation occurs in the number of side roots which arise from the taproot. Early Root Habit of Common Alfalfa. --A 63-day-old alfalfa plant is shown in Fig. 93.
Taproot nitrogen accumulation and use in overwintering alfalfa ...
1993年1月1日 · Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) taproots accumulate organic reserves that are important for winter survival and subsequent growth in spring. Our objective was to determine if specific nitrogen (N) pools accumulate in taproot tissues prior to winter that may subsequently be used during initiation of herbage growth in spring.
Phenotyping seedlings for selection of root system architecture …
2021年12月7日 · In this study methods were developed for phenotyping 14-day-old alfalfa seedlings to identify measurable root traits that are highly heritable and can differentiate plants with either a branched or a tap rooted phenotype.
Alfalfa - Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment
Root system ‐ Long, thick, sparsely branched tap root with few small roots. Where soil conditions favor deep rooting, tap root may penetrate 15 to 20 feet. Deep rooting habit (where possible) makes alfalfa a very drought resistant plant.
Traits evaluated were determinate tap roots, tap root diameter, number of secondary roots, position of secondary roots, size of secondary roots, and amount of tertiary or fibrous roots.
the extensive root system and early spring growth of alfalfa reduces soil and nutrient loss from nearby bare soil. Thus, a healthy alfalfa root system is key to maximizing yields, forage quality, and stand life. Many factors influence root growth and root health of alfalfa, but diseases can be especially important.
Study on root system development ability of different root-type alfalfa
Root types of alfalfa are divided into tap rooted, branch rooted, creeping rooted and rhizomatous rooted. Many alfalfa belong to the tap rooted variety, which are fitted to be mowed. The tap rooted alfalfa has an obvious taproot and a vertical standing stem.