Maize and wheat root biomass, vertical distribution, and size class as affected by fertilization intensity in two long-term field trials

Summary

This field trial from Switzerland examined how fertilisation intensity shapes root system architecture in two major cereals—maize and wheat—over multiple years. The authors quantified root biomass, its vertical distribution in the soil profile, and the proportion of roots in different size classes under contrasting fertilisation treatments. The findings contribute to understanding how nutrient management influences belowground plant development, which has implications for soil structure, water uptake, and nutrient cycling in arable systems.

UK applicability

The study's findings on root responses to fertilisation intensity are relevant to UK arable farming, particularly for informing nutrient management strategies in cereal production. However, results from Swiss growing conditions and soil types may not fully transfer to the range of UK pedological and climatic contexts.

Key measures

Root biomass (total and by depth interval), vertical root distribution profile, root size class distribution (as affected by fertilisation intensity)

Outcomes reported

The study examined how fertilisation intensity affects root biomass, vertical distribution, and size class composition in maize and wheat crops. Measurements were taken from long-term field trials comparing contrasting fertilisation regimes.

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