Abstract
ABSTRACT: In this study we tested whether the root biomass of mixtures composed by grass species is greater than their respective monocultures. The treatments were monocultures of Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca arundinacea, Dactylis glomerata, and a mixture of them, cultivated in a rich-soil environment. Root biomass was evaluated on a single evaluation per season at three soil depths (0-5, 5-10, and 10-20 cm). Mixed swards presented the greatest root biomass, and this was explained by a greater concentration in the topsoil layer (0-5 cm). These findings reinforce the need for permanent soil conservation practices to not jeopardize the benefits of the more abundant root biomass reported in the mixed swards.
Highlights
Distribuição vertical da massa de raízes de gramíneas perenes de inverno cultivadas puras e em mistura
Increasing biodiversity in grasslands can maximize soil carbon incorporation (TRACY & SANDERSON, 2000; TILMAN et al, 2006), boosting the ecosystem services delivered by pasturelands
As far as we are aware, most of the reported research on this topic has been focused on grasslands with plant species belonging to different families (Poaceae, Fabaceae, Cruciferae, and/or Asteraceae; MUELLER et al, 2013; CONG et al, 2014; SKINNER & DELL, 2016) and little is known whether mixed stands composed only by grasses present a greater root biomass production when compared to their respective monocultures
Summary
Distribuição vertical da massa de raízes de gramíneas perenes de inverno cultivadas puras e em mistura. Os tratamentos foram monocultivos de Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca arundinacea, Dactylis glomerata e uma mistura delas, cultivadas em um solo rico em nutrientes.
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