Root development of selected turf grass species and cultivars

Root development in terms of sand and ash-free dry matter from soil cores was investigated for several cultivars within each of the following: Agrostis canina L., Agrostis stolonifera L., Agrostis tenuis Sibth, Festuca ovina L., Festuca rubra L., Lolium perenne L., Phleum pratense L., and Poa pratensis L. The cultivars were seeded in April 1969 in a fertile loamy soil of neutral pH. Roots were sampled in December 1970, June 1971, and November 1971 at soil depths from 5 to 20 cm. There were distinct differences in root development between species and between cultivars within species. Additional index words: Ash-free dry matter, Soil cores, Agrostis canina L., Agrostis stolonifera L., Agrostis tenuis Sibth, Festuca ovina L., Festuca rubra L., Lolium perenne L., Phleum pratense L., Poa pratensis L.