Vertical distribution characteristics of Miscanthus sinensis roots and its relationship to soil nutrients in the Wugong Mountains

Roots are structures that connect vegetation to the soil. Studies of the relationship between roots and soil help understand the biochemical cycle of nutrient elements and provides a theoretical basis for vegetation restoration. In the present study, soil nutrients were studied by normal analysis methods using Miscanthus sinensis Anderss as a model plant from the Wugong Mountains. Root parameters were determined by a root scanner. Correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed to examine the relationship between soil and roots. The results demonstrated that root parameters decreased with an increase in soil depth. Approximately 80% of the roots were distributed in the 0 to 16 cm soil layer. Power functions were fitted between different soil layers and root parameters (biomass density, root length density, and root surface area density), and were y=238x-1.555 9 (R2=0.891 14),y=169.9x-0.882 05(R2=0.408 36) and y=22.397x-0.926 14(R2=0.364 57), respectively. The content of soil organic matter, total N, total P, available P, and available K decreased with depth of soil in the 0 to 40 cm soil layer whereas the content of total K and available N fluctuated slightly. Correlations between soil nutrients and root parameters differed among nutrients, whereas organic matter, total N, and total K correlated positively with root parameters (P<0.05). Therefore, fertilizing effectively in the top soil surface layer is beneficial for root development and nutrient uptake.