A preliminary investigation into the root systems of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens) using a prescribed sampling method for the study

The roots of' plants are the least known, least understood and least appreciated part of the plant." \nWeaver end Bruner. \n \nThe fundamental importance of an extensive, well developed and healthy root system cannot be over emphasised. It\tmust hold the plant firmly in the ground, provide a large effective absorptive area through which ample nutrients will become available for growth, and, by penetrating deeply, or by building up reserves, it\tmust protect\tplant against the exigencies of a dry season. \nThe study of the roots then, important as they are, would appear to have been unduly neglected when one considers the amount of\tresearch carried out using as a basis some above ground feature of the plant.\t\tIn this connection W.F. Loehwing ( 1) may be\tquoted - \t"As\tone\tsurveys the\tmonumental literature \ndealing with crop production, the small fraction thereof devoted \nto roots and the absorption processes seems entirely out of prorortion to their importance. [From Introduction]