Maize Root System Response to Furrow Irrigation in a Mediterranean Brown Soil: Root Growth Related to Water Distribution

✍ Scribed by M.R.G. Oliveira; R.P. Serralheiro; M.P.Z. Reis; F.L. Santos

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1998
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 238 KB
• Volume: 71
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0021-8634
• DOI: 10.1006/jaer.1998.0294

✦ Synopsis

Maize (Zea mays L.) root patterns were evaluated along furrows irrigated with a cablegation system, an automated surface irrigation system. Root length and mass were measured from soil-root samples taken at three distances along the irrigation furrows, and four places in relation to plants and furrows. Data were recorded by stage of growth (date), and depth location in the soil profile. Root growth showed significant differences only between sampling places, which was attributed to an heterogeneous lateral infiltration, exacerbated by a furrow spacing of 1)5 m, enclosing two plant rows 0)75 m apart. Root growth did not show significant differences between the three distances along the furrow, at which measurements were made, which suggests that a uniform water distribution was achieved with the irrigation system under study. Roots were concentrated in the top layers of the soil profile where about 85% of total root mass was found. Deep loosening could be a suitable technique to increase root, air and water penetration in this type of soil.