Root distribution of irrigated and rainfed dwarf cashew tree (ccp 09 clone), Stateof Ceará, Brazil

Abstract

The knowledge of plant root system is fundamental for crop management which is developed to improve crop yield. The main goal of this research was to determine the root system distribution (depth and length) of the dwarf cashew tree (Anacardium Occidentale L.) 09 clone, ten years old. The study was carried out at Embrapa’s Curu Experimental Station, State of Ceará, Brazil, in a field evaluating six plants, three irrigated and three non-irrigated. To permit access to the root profile, excavation of 1.4 m depth and 3.2 m length were symmetrically dug 0.2 m from the stem. The profile was divided in squares of 0.2 m x 0.2 m which have been photographed. Each picture was digitalized by SIARCS® software. Only effective roots were considered for the study, those which represent 80% of the root system. Results showed that the effective roots of irrigated cashew tree are localized in a depth of 0.6 m in a radius of 1.0 m1.0 m. Those results may help to improve crop management techniques. The trench dimensions were not big enough to show up the total roots. Roots were found until a depth of 1.0 m in a radius of 1.4 m. To evaluate the root system of rainfed plants is necessary that the length of trench to be equal to the plant space in orchard. from the stem. For the rainfed plants the depth is