Root habit of Sporobolus flexuosus

Root habit of Sporobolus flexuosus immediately below surface. Roots extend diagonally downward with no shallow horizontal roots. This root habit explains why this species is found in soils having rapid and deep penetration. It also shows why it is crowded out by the finely branched shallow roots as found on black grama if the grama is allowed to develop. If grama is weakened or destroyed, the water can then penetrate down to sporobolus roots and the latter species will increase at the expense of the former if usage is not too severe. Plant soil correlation study number 5. Original photo number 305.