Rooting pattern of vetiver [Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash] in an Oxisol

Abstract

The rooting pattern of vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash] was studied in the field by ex ing the soil monolith; 92% of the vetiver roots was found within a horizontal radius of 21 from the plant. Approximately 88% of the roots occurred within a 40-cm depth. The root si was well developed and well distributed, with tuft-like growth at the base, which would allow erage of a large soil mass and better soil binding for conservation of sloping Oxisols against sion.