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Roots Break Barriers

We are testing 5 different cover cropping options to determine which, if any, can fix either of two major soil challenges, compaction, or a zone of low pH. Follow this hashtag on social media to see study updates ~> #RootsBreakBarriers

  • Created simulated soil profiles within clear sleeves placed into PVC tubes that were sunk in the ground to create controlled soil profiles with realistic weather conditions and soil insulation.
  • Planted several cover crop species and combinations and will be able to assess root penetration of these challenging zones at several different sampling dates.
  • Four replications of each treatment combination will be sampled at the typical cover crop termination time, corn v10, and corn harvest.
  • At each sampling date we will assess above ground biomass as well as a thorough investigation of the rooting characteristics.
  • Determine whether the corn roots followed the cover crop roots by assessing root penetration and void channels, root biomass, and carbon to nitrogen ratio by depth in the soil profile.

August 31st, 2021

The #ResearchFarm has been busy! #RootsBreakBarriers
 
We’ve created simulated soil profiles within clear sleeves placed into PVC tubes sunk in the ground to create controlled soil profiles with realistic weather conditions and soil insulation
 

roots break barriers

September 17th, 2021

We’ve planted several cover crop species and combinations to be able to assess root penetration of challenging zones at different sample dates.  

We’ll be assessing above ground biomass and rooting characteristics. 

The #GOResearchTeam is hard at work solving the problems that keep you up at night. 

roots-break-barriers-pvc-in-ground-small

January 3rd, 2022

Soil columns that we packed to have bulk density considered root restrictive (1.7 g/cm3) is also restricting water movement through the column.

Follow #RootsBreakBarriers as we test different #covercrop options to fix major soil challenges.

 

high bulk density

January 8th, 2022

We’re seeing great results with our experiment #RootsBreakBarriers
 
We’ve planted several cover crop species and combinations to assess root penetration.
 
We’re also experimenting with a new variety we’re developing, a tap rooted turnip.

RootsBreakBarriers-Jan-8-2022