Shoot and Root Development of Tall and Hard Fescues in Two Different Soils

Abstract

AbstractTall (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and hard fescue [Festuca ovina var. longifolia (L.) Koch] are among the most widely sown grasses used to stabilize disturbed soils in both the cool‐humid and transition climatic zones of the USA. Our objective was to evaluate the root and shoot development of two turfgrasses grown in sand and silt loam soils. Significant differences in leaf area, plant height, shoot and root dry matter, root depth (RD), root branching (RB), and root length (RL) were recorded with tall fescue compared with hard fescue. Greater leaf area, leaf number, plant height, shoot and root dry matter, and RL were observed when the grasses were grown in a silt loam soil. Greater RD and root/shoot ratio were recorded in sandy soil. Both turfgrass species and soil texture affected leaf area, leaf number, plant height, shoot dry matter, RD, RL, RB, root dry matter, and the root/shoot ratio. Significant correlations were obtained for shoot dry matter with root dry matter and RL; leaf area with shoot dry matter and root dry matter; root dry matter with TRL and RB; RD with root/shoot ratio; RL with leaf area; and RB with TRL and RD. Turfgrasses and soil types had an significant impact on shoot and root development. A greater understanding of early root development for these grasses will assist in developing techniques for establishment and persistence under disturbed soils and adverse climatic conditions.