Procedure for Estimating Ratio of Live to Dead Root Dry Matter in Root Core Samples1

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Abstract
Assessed using triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) reduction techniques in an effort to establish a relatively simple method of determining the amount of living tissue in soil core samples from the field. Formazan (reduced TTC) was extracted with 95% ethanol and measured colorimetrically. Relationship between TTC reduction per gram roots and dry weight ratios of living to dead root tissue, established by simple correlation and regression analysis, was used to determine live and dead root dry weights of unknown root samples. TTC reduction per gram live root dry weight declined with plant age and, although not measured directly, probably varied with species. The procedure would accommodate large sample numbers if parts were automated.

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