Svejcar and Christiansen measured root mass, root length, and leaf area index on Caucasian bluestem (Bothriochloa caucasica) pastures that were lightly or heavily grazed by cattle. Plants in heavily grazed pastures had lower leaf area index, root length and root mass and length density in the 0-30 cm soil depth than plants in lightly grazed pastures. However, these changes in above and below-ground plant material resulted in a higher root:shoot surface area ratio in heavily grazed pastures, enhancing the ability of these plants to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. The majority of Caucasian bluestem roots in both pastures were in the upper soil layer, which may be a factor contributing to the grazing tolerance of this species, as this would help plants to absorb water and nutrients that are sometimes limiting in this region.
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