Variation in Growth Characteristics of Lolium Multiflorum under Grass-Planting Concrete Stress

Abstract

Grass-Planting Concrete (GPC) represents a novel eco-friendly concrete material with distinct physical and chemical differences compared to regular soil. The response of plant roots to the growth environment provided by GPC is poorly understood. This study explores the strategies plants employ in response to the stress imposed by GPC environments. Ryegrass is the focal point in this study, utilizing planting experiments. Geometric morphological parameters, fractal dimensions, and topological indices of root during three growth stages (elongation stage, heading stage, and fruiting stage) were measured and calculated. The study analyzes changes in the configuration characteristics of ryegrass root systems in GPC and soil media. Experimental results suggested that: 1) The morphological parameters of ryegrass root systems in GPC are greater than those in soil, particularly during the elongation stage, with a notably higher degree of branch expansion in GPC media. 2) Root system configuration parameters in both media are positively correlated with the total root surface area. The correlation between configuration parameters and branch density, number of branches, etc., is more robust in GPC media. 3) The total root length distribution decreases with depth in both media. In GPC media, the peak total root length occurs in the 2~4 cm range, with deeper rooting reaching up to 16 cm during the elongation stage. The stress effect of GPC was weakened over time. Plants enhance their adaptive capabilities by strategically altering their morphological and structural characteristics. The research findings provide theoretical and technical support for optimizing the structure and vegetative performance of GPC.