Articles
Root architecture and topography in intensive pear orchards of ‘Abbé Fétél’: a survey in Emilia-Romagna (Italy)
Article number
1457_10
Pages
79 – 84
Language
English
Abstract
Over the years, planting densities in intensive pear orchards have increased significantly with the introduction of improved agricultural techniques and the use of dwarfing quince rootstocks.
The root systems of trees in high-density plantations had to face a reduction of the available volume for their expansion, due to the proximity of other roots of the same genotype.
In a climatic condition marked by rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather events, the reduction of available soil volume for root growth can compromise root functioning, especially in the upper soil layers and in bare soils.
The survey of root topography and architecture was held in intensive pear orchards of ‘Abbé Fétél’ with different rootstocks (dwarfing quince and weak pear clones). In August 2022, core samples were taken in orchards in Emilia-Romagna (central Italy), at different depths (0-20, 20-40 cm) and at different distances from the trunk, both along the row (AR) and inter-row (IN). Root length density and mean diameter were determined using the WinRhizo® software for root analysis.
The results reveal generally low root densities, with a marked concentration of the root system within a limited soil volume, particularly along the planting row and in the upper soil layers.
In the inter-row area, a reduction of approximately 60% in root length density was observed between 50 cm and 100 cm from the trunk at both depths (0-20 and 20-40 cm), indicating a limited lateral exploration capacity of the root system.
These findings highlight the limited expansion of root system architecture in high-density orchards and suggest that agronomic practices aimed at promoting deeper and more widespread root development, including in the inter-row area, have to be implemented to make the ‘Abbé Fétél’ pear orchards more resilient and sustainable.
The root systems of trees in high-density plantations had to face a reduction of the available volume for their expansion, due to the proximity of other roots of the same genotype.
In a climatic condition marked by rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather events, the reduction of available soil volume for root growth can compromise root functioning, especially in the upper soil layers and in bare soils.
The survey of root topography and architecture was held in intensive pear orchards of ‘Abbé Fétél’ with different rootstocks (dwarfing quince and weak pear clones). In August 2022, core samples were taken in orchards in Emilia-Romagna (central Italy), at different depths (0-20, 20-40 cm) and at different distances from the trunk, both along the row (AR) and inter-row (IN). Root length density and mean diameter were determined using the WinRhizo® software for root analysis.
The results reveal generally low root densities, with a marked concentration of the root system within a limited soil volume, particularly along the planting row and in the upper soil layers.
In the inter-row area, a reduction of approximately 60% in root length density was observed between 50 cm and 100 cm from the trunk at both depths (0-20 and 20-40 cm), indicating a limited lateral exploration capacity of the root system.
These findings highlight the limited expansion of root system architecture in high-density orchards and suggest that agronomic practices aimed at promoting deeper and more widespread root development, including in the inter-row area, have to be implemented to make the ‘Abbé Fétél’ pear orchards more resilient and sustainable.
Publication
Authors
F. De Angelis, V. Giorgi, M. Guizzardi, M. Basaglia, D. Dradi, A. Torelli, D. Neri
Keywords
root length density, root diameter, root distribution, planting intensification, rootstock
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