Naturally coloured roots as a tool for studying root interactions in mixed cropping

The objective of this study was to evaluate the usage species with coloured roots root growth patterns during intercropping. Red beet (Beta vulgaris L. cv. Detroit), having clear red roots, used in a semi-field and field experiment allow identification quantification individual mixture. In experiment, strip intercropped lucerne (Medicago sativa Creno) kale (Brassica oleracea var. Sabellica), respectively while beet-lucerne intercropping conducted large rhizoboxes where distribution 15N isotope uptake determined. confirmed that direct visual measurement using indirect tracer measurements contributed success studying dynamics systems. intensity not considerably affected by when crops were established at same time, but between existing strips, reduction border row shown. Lucerne both observed be able exploit deep soil layers beneath row.