Dynamics of Organic Matters in the Root-rhizoplane-soil System of Maize : I. A simple and rapid method for measuring root respiration

[摘要] In the analysis of dynamics of organic matter in the root-rhizoplane-soil system, it is essential to estimate various kinds of carbon flows in the system separately. Since a simple and rapid method for measuring root respiration was needed for this purpose, the authors developed the following method. A plastic syringe is used as the chamber. Sample roots are put into a syringe, in which the air is replaced with air of known CO2 concentration and the syringe is kept at a constant temperature for a certain time. A volume of the air in the syringe is injected into the flow of N2 gas in the tube which is connected to an infrared gas analyzer. The CO2 concentration in the syringe is directly related to the reading of the analyzer. From the difference of the CO2 concentration in the syringe before and after the incubation, the respiration rate of the roots is calculated. The details of the procedure were determined by the results of experiments regarding the effects of factors concerned.

[学科分类] 农业科学（综合）

[关键词] Carbon dioxide;赤外線ガス分析計;Infrared gas analyzer;二酸化炭素;Root respiration;根の呼吸