Development of Seedlings of Heteropogon contortus as Related to Soil Moisture and Competition

Based on dry weight, maximum development of shoots and roots of tangle-head grass seedlings occurred under most frequent irrigation and least intense competition. Shoot/root ratios were greatest under most frequent watering and most intense competition. 2. Lack of moisture at the soil surface retarded the initiation of adventitious roots under field and greenhouse conditions. 3. Tillering was closely associated with the establishment of the adventitious root system. 4. Soil moisture had a greater effect upon the plants than competition and appears to be the major controlling factor under range conditions. 5. Rapid resumption of growth after drought periods of 3 and 8 weeks, during which soil moisture was below the wilting coefficient, indicates the inherent drought resistance of these seedlings.