Return to the Ornamental Grasses Forum | Post a Follow-Up

o
Root Depth

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings
Posted by npthaskell coastal oregon (My Page) on
Sat, May 8, 10 at 5:53

I'm trying to compile the root depth of some grasses. I'm not talking about the depth of reproductive rhizomes, but the depth of feeder roots. This info is relevant in regards to nutrient recovery, drought resistance, and building up the soil (adding carbon back to the soil, supporting the soil microbial food web, keeping the earthworms happy).

----- info sources -----

I'll start with what I found so far. Some of the info comes from the "Plant Materials Centers" (mostly Bismarck, ND) of the National Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service) of the USDA:

http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/centers/

Some info comes from USDA plants database plant guides:

http://plants.usda.gov/java/factSheet

And some info comes from the Land Institute:

http://www.landinstitute.org/

--- list of ornamental, conservation, or livestock grasses ---

Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass): up to 9 feet deep

Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem): up to 12 feet

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem): 5 to 8 feet

Nasella (Stipa) viridula: up to 10 feet

Leymus angustus (Altai Wildrye): up to 10 feet

Thinopyrum intermedium (Intermediate Wheatgrass): about 6 ft

Follow-Up Postings:

o
RE: Root Depth

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings
  • Posted by jean001 z8aPortland, OR (My Page) on
    Sun, May 9, 10 at 14:51

Nice figures for native plants in their native sites -- or at the very least, in excellent soil.

But everything in a garden or landscape depends upon soil texture & depth, also availability of water & air.

o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!

Return to the Ornamental Grasses Forum

Instructions

  • You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
  • Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
  • After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
  • It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
  • HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
  • No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
  • If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
  • If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.



 
Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.