The effect of soil texture, water supply, and nutrient supply upon the root development of maize

Abstract

After summarizing previous experiments pertaining to soil texture, water supply, and nutrient supply on various plants, specifically grains, he details his own experiments on these effects on the root development of maize. The best growth of plant tops was obtained in silt loam with optimum water content; the next best in silt loam with maximum water. Minimum water during both periods produced the greatest absolute weight of roots in loess and the greatest relative weight in silt loam. Maximum water during both periods produced the least absolute weight of roots in loess and the least relative weight in silt loam. It can be said in general by way of conclusion that low water content seems to divert the plant's energies from top growth to root formation. The production of tops and main roots appears to vary directly and the formation of fine branch roots inversely with the water content of soil. An optimum water content seems to favor a relatively high production of main roots, branch roots, and tops.