Modeling growth and distribution of maize (Zea mays L.) roots under field conditions in the eastern plains of Colombia
A new technology was used to estimate root-length density and root exploration from root counts (grid method) on soil profiles. This method includes a computer model, developed by Chopart and Siband (1999). This model called "RACINl" was previously validated under African conditions, and then validated in the Colombian eastern plains. The results indicate that the drastic reduction in the development of maize roots at the anthesis phase is related to the presence of physical and chemical restrictions, which were enhanced as depth increased. Between 20 and 30 cm profile depth extreme adverse conditions for the growth of roots existed in both cultivars. Organic matter additions to the soil stimulated root development only in the top soil. Penetration resistance was 1.33 Mpa in the subsurface soils. This suggests that the severe inhibition of root growth in the subsoil was related to soil compaction and additionally to aluminium toxicity caused by increased aluminium saturation (>28%). Increasing Al supply with profile depth was associated with lower availability of nutrients particularly of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca).
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | conference_item biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
Kluwer Academic Publishers
|
| Subjects: | F62 - Physiologie végétale - Croissance et développement, U10 - Informatique, mathématiques et statistiques, Zea mays, http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_8504, http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1767, |
| Online Access: | http://agritrop.cirad.fr/545518/ http://agritrop.cirad.fr/545518/1/document_545518.pdf |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|