Varietal Difference in Root Distribution of Direct Seeded Rice

This study examined root growth and distribution under the direct seeding of rice cultivars developed in Korea, Japan, and the U.S. Cultivars from the U.S., especially 'M202' and 'Caloro', had a high ratio of the dry matter partitioning for root and top plant components. Caloro had high root and top growth. 'Koshihikari' from Japan showed the lowest ratio of R/T (root/total dry matter) due to the small amount of root and top plant growth. Most Japanese cultivars except transplanted 'Hatsuboshi' showed low ratio of R/T. Patterns of root distribution for each soil block were recorded by the root box-pin board method. Roots of all cultivars were distributed in blocks A, C, and E in the middle of box, i.e., just below the plant base. Roots of 'Dongjin', M202, and Caloro were distributed deeper than the others. Roots of transplanted Hatsuboshi developed much better than direct seeded Hatsuboshi. Total root weight density was highest in Caloro followed by Dongjin, 'Gancheok', 'Calrose', and the others. The root density of Caloro was twice as much as those of the others except Dongjin. According to cumulative percentages of root distribution on each soil layer, roots of most cultivars were distributed below 20cm. The U.S. cultivars showed vertically well developed root systems as compared to others. A large amount of roots were distributed in the top 15cm of soil layer for Hatsuboshi and Koshinikari, and their root systems appeared to be shallow. In contrast, the rates of root distribution in the top 10cm of soil layer were low for Dongjin, Calrose, and Caloro. These cultivars had relatively deep root systems.