Root profiles of some native and exotic plant species in Southeastern Idaho

Abstract

Root depth and lateral spread were determined for five plant species using radiotracer techniques. Depth data only were collected from two additional species. Big sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata), the deepest rooted species examined, had roots extending to a depth of 225 cm. Roots of Great Basin wildrye ( Leymus cinereus), the deepest rooted grass, were detected to 200 cm. The maximum lateral spread of both of these species was 100 cm and occurred at a depth of 40 cm.