Root Habits and Growth

Abstract

FROM time immemorial observations and notes have been made on the aerial growth of crop plants under varying conditions of cultivation, and an extensive literature has arisen thereon. On the other hand, the subterranean growth has received little attention, and accurate information as to the relation between shoot and root growth is remarkably meagre. During recent years a few investigations have attempted to remedy this, the most notable contributions being those of Howard in India, and Prof. Weaver and other workers in America. The mechanical difficulties of root investigations in situ are such that satisfactory work can only be done where the soil and subsoil are of such a nature as to permit excavation without undue expenditure of time and labour and excessive danger of breaking the roots while their course is being traced. During the last twelve years Prof. Weaver has extensively developed the technique of root excavation by means of systems of trenches, and the volume under review aims at presenting the main American results which have been set forth in detail elsewhere.

Root Development of Field Crops.

By Prof. John E. Weaver. (McGraw-Hill Publications in the Agricultural and Botanical Sciences.) Pp. xii + 291. (New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc.; London: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., Ltd., 1926.) 15s. net.