Root distribution pattern of sewan (Lasiurus sindicus) and buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) of arid ecosystem of western Rajasthan in relation to their soil binding capacity

Abstract

An experiment was carried out during 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 on a coars~ textured sandy soil to study the root distribution pattern and soil-binding capacity of the 2 grasses, viz sewan gr~ss ~Laslurus sindicus hner.) and buffelgrass (Cenchros ciliaris L.). The distribution of roots 4 and 16 months after sowIng In both the grasses Indicated that majority of roots was confined to the top 20-cm soil layer. The total length of roots (33.51 ,_ LOi~3_8 m after 4 and 16 months respectively) of C. ciliaris was more than L. sindicus. A strong relationship ;as found between actual root len~th ~nd estimated root length from biomass root length ratio from every IO-em layer (R 20.90). Although the roots ofL. slndlcus penetrated to deeper layer than C. ciliaris but its root biomass (6.4 g) and root biomass density (255:8 g/m3 ) were less than C. ciliaris (I 3.33 and 533.08 g/m respectively). In C. ciliaris the root volume (30.53 mL) was hIgher and average root radius (0.31 em) was lower than that ofL. sindicus which results in higher soil binding capacity of C. ciliaris compared with L. sindicus.