Biological Features Of The Distribution Of Root Systems Of Perennial Legume Grasses In The Context Of Climate Change

Oleksandr Tkachuk

doi:10.48077/scihor.24(2).2021.69-76

Abstract

The key factor in the choice of perennial legume grasses in the face of climate change is their drought resistance, because the development of roots directly affects this property, as well as determines their fertility. The purpose of the study was to establish what morphological and biological characteristics of grass roots ensure economic characteristics in the context of climate change. Methods of observation, comparison, and field experiment were used. The study found that the roots of alfalfa have the greatest depth in the soil, spread in the horizontal direction, the thickness of the root neck and lateral roots, which ensures plasticity, durability, and productivity of its crops. The roots of white melilot have the greatest depth in the soil, the thickness of the root neck, central root and lateral roots, their spread in the horizontal direction, which affects the drought and frost resistance of crops. The roots of birdsfoot trefoil are distinguished by the greatest number of renewal buds on the root neck, the smallest depth, and the thickness of the root neck, which affects productive longevity and the possibility of growth in poor and acidic soils. The roots of eastern galega have the greatest depth of the main plant, distribution in the horizontal direction, the thickness of the central root, which affects productive longevity and high biological plasticity. The roots of Hungarian sainfoin are distinguished by the greatest distribution in the horizontal direction and the deepest placement of the main branching, which affects high biological resistance to adverse growing conditions. It was also found out that the roots of meadow clover have the smallest spread radius in the horizontal plane, the thickness of the central and lateral roots, which determines the possibility of its cultivation in the field crop rotation. These findings would facilitate the selection of perennial legume grasses to achieve their full potential in the face of climate change

Highlights

One of the key factors when choosing perennial legume grasses in the face of climate change is their adaptability to periodic lack of moisture during the growing season, which depends on the development of the root system of grasses
– the root system of alfalfa is characterised by the largest: penetration into the soil, spread of the roots in a horizontal direction; thickness of the root neck during all the years of vegetation, thickness of the lateral roots during the third or fourth years of vegetation, but the smallest distribution in the soil of the main mass of root branching in the year of sowing and the following year of vegetation
– the root system of white melilot is characterised by the largest: penetration into the soil, thickness of the root neck, central root and lateral roots during all the years of vegetation, horizontal spread of roots in the second year of vegetation, but the smallest number of renewal buds on the root neck during all the years of vegetation

Summary

Introduction

One of the key factors when choosing perennial legume grasses in the face of climate change is their adaptability to periodic lack of moisture during the growing season, which depends on the development of the root system of grasses. At the same time, placing crops of perennial legume grasses on poor and acidic soils limits the growth of their roots and reduces drought resistance [1]. A well-developed root system contributes to the efficient use of nutrients and moisture from the soil [2]. In the year of sowing with clean cultivation, the roots of alfalfa penetrate to a depth of 120-140 cm. The root of alfalfa penetrates to a depth of 10 m or more [3]. The root system of meadow clover penetrates the soil from 20 cm per year of sowing and up to 150-200 cm in general. White melilot has a welldeveloped root system, which determines its drought resistance. The root is thickened in the upper part, with well-developed lateral roots, penetrates deeply into the soil, reaching the subsoil [6]

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Conclusion