Field Competition Between Tall Morningglory and Soybean. II. Development and Distribution of Root Systems

Abstract

Studies of the development and distribution of root systems of intraspecific and interspecific competition were conducted between soybean [Glycine max.(L.) Merr. ‘Lee 68′] and tall morningglory [Ipomoea purpurea(L.) Roth]. Tall morningglory at three plant densities and soybean were grown for 2 yr on a Taloka silt loam. The greatest density of soybean and tall morningglory roots grown under intraspecific competition was in the surface 12 cm and in the center of the row. Greater values of root length and density were during the dryer season. The largest fraction of total root length at a given date also was in the surface 12 cm and decreased with depth. The fraction at a given depth was a dynamic property of the root system during the growing season. When compared with the soybean root system, tall morningglory roots were found at deeper depths and had greater root densities. Little expansion of the soybean root system was found after initiation of the soybean reproductive phase. During this phase, the tall morningglory root system was increasing at a faster rate of growth than the soybean root system. The greatest density of roots grown under interspecific competition also was in the surface 12 cm and at the center of the row. These values were less than those found under intraspecific competition. Root distribution and development are dynamic functions of growth stage, planting density, and plant species.