Evaluation of Three Root Growth Potential Techniques with Tree Seedlings

1989

S. 181-189

2 Abb., 2 Tab., 12 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200102041

Three growing systems commonly used to evaluate root growth potential (RGP) are soil, hydroponic, and aeroponic culture. Aeroponic RGP testing is a relatively new technique that has not been adequately compared to conventional methods. This paper report the results of an experiment designed to compare the amount and variability of root growth of jack pine seedlings in soil, hydroponic, and aeroponic culture. New root length in aeroponic culture was significantly greater at 10, 14, 17, and 21 days and was less variable than that in soil and hydroponic culture. However, the patterns of root growth over time in the three systems are strongly related, so the testing methods provide the same diagnostic information. Root zone termperature differed signifcantly among locationswithin each system,, but the actual differences were small and did not significantly affect root growth.