A modified soil monolith technique for characterizing root systems

A soil and root system sampling technique that accurately measures root distribution within the soil profile without causing excessive damage to experimental plots would improve the efficiency of root system research. A monolith mapping root sampling technique is described that combines the positive attributes of the soil monolith and profile wall methods with a less destructive hand tool sampling protocol. The objective of this field study was to compare monolith mapping with a standard monolith washing technique for the purpose of measuring root distribution in the upper 30 cm of the root zone. Root systems of maize (Zea mays L.) (V6 stage of development) from plots (Vienna loam soils; fine-loamy, mixed Udic Haploborolls) treated with broadcast or banded P were sampled using the modified monolith method