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| Primary Study on Root System Foraging Space and Rooting Pattern of Plants on the Terrace Embankments |
| Zhang Yuqing1,Qi Shi Wen2,Miaoxia3 |
| 1.Department of Resources and Environmental Science, Beijing Normal University, 100875;2.Soil and Water Conservation College, Beijing Forestry University, 100083, Beijing;3.Northwest Forestry Planning and Design Institute, State Forestry Administration, 710048, Xi'an, China |
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Abstract Several plant root systems are probed using method of 3D excavation. Based on that, rooting patterns of plants on the terrace embankments are classified. The results indicate that root systems of Tamarix ramosissima Ldb. , Caragana microphylla (pall) lam. and Medicago sativa distribute in deeper soil layers and take on the characteristics of vertical root, root systems of Salix purpurea L. and poplar have a strong tendency toward water and nutrients. All plants investigated are of ecological plasticity of different degree. Rooting patterns of Tamarix ramosissima Ldb. at 1 m distance on the southward slope, Caragana microphylla (pall) lam planted at lower position of the embankments, Medicago sativa, poplar on the middle of big embankments and Salix purpurea L. less than 5 years old are suitable to agroforestry systems. It is suggested that Tamarix ramosissima Ldb. should be planted at short distance (1 m) on the southward slope, Salix purpurea L. on the northward slope, but with ageing, the distance should be adjusted. Poplar is not a suitable tree species to be grown on the embankments. Medicago sativa should be grown on big embankments where there is better conditions of soil moisture, illumination and nutrients.
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Received: 10 March 2003
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