Effects of different management systems on root distribution of maize

Wang, Z., Ma, B.-L., Gao, J. and Sun, J. 2015. Effects of different management systems on root distribution of maize. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 21-28. Characterization of root distribution in maize (Zea mays L.) is important for optimizing agronomic management to match crop requirements, while maximizing grain yield, especially under intensive management. The objectives of this study were to examine the differences in maize root distribution between two management systems and to identify root-related factors that could be adjusted for further yield improvement. A 4-yr field experiment examined maize root distribution under two management systems: farmers' practices (FP: low plant density, unbalanced fertilization) and high yield strategies (HY: high plant density, sufficient fertilization). Root mass distribution within the soil profile was more restricted horizontally within 10 cm from the stalk base and vertically below 20 cm in HY compared with FP. HY had a greater proportion of fine roots (diameter ≤ 0.5...