Detecting Depth and Lateral Spread of Roots of Native Range Plants Using Radioactive Phosphorus

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Abstract
P32 was used to measure root depth and lateral spread of 4 native plant species [Festuca arizonica, Muhlenbergia montana, Artemisia frigida and Bouteloua gracilis], which were subjected to heavy grazing for many years. Compared with root excavation measurements from an earlier study on the same area, rooting depths of all species tested were quite similar by the 2 methods. Lateral spread differed substantially. Roots had a greater lateral spread by the 32P estimate. The isotope method using autoradiography was a sensitive method of determining depth and lateral spread of in situ plant roots in a mixed plant community.

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