Final answer:
True. Short mowing height does promote decreased root growth and fewer rhizomes as it leads to plants focusing on above-ground growth and affects the stability of the plant in the soil, making it more susceptible to damage and uprooting. (option 1)
Step-by-step explanation:
Short mowing height can lead to decreased root growth and fewer rhizomes is true. This is because the plant focuses its energy on regenerating the above-ground parts that have been removed, which can detract from root development. Additionally, shallower roots mean the plant is not anchored strongly into the ground, making it more susceptible to being uprooted. After being uprooted, the roots can take a long time to grow back, if they can regrow at all. Plants with shallow roots are also more prone to damage from herbivores and environmental stressors.
Regarding the observation that mowing stabilizes the flowering time, it's likely because the mowing is triggering an adaptive response in the grass. Since the grass is being cut before it can reproduce naturally, it adapts by flowering earlier to ensure the reproduction and survival of its species. This can result in a stable flowering trend in a regularly mown field compared to an unmown field, where flowering times can vary more widely.