Articles
IRRIGATION EFFECTS ON ASPARAGUS ROOT DISTRIBUTION
Article number
479_39
Pages
283 – 288
Language
Abstract
A study was initiated in 1992 to assess the effects of irrigation on asparagus root distribution.
Crowns were planted and soil water levels were maintained near field capacity for the first year.
From 1993 through 1997, irrigation treatments based on percentages of evapotranspiration (0%, 40%, 80% ET) were applied during the fern growth period of each year.
In early September of 1994, 1995 and 1996, fleshy and fibrous root distribution was assessed.
Pits were dug and root counts made on a 1.5 m2 vertical face divided into a 100 cm2 grid pattern to below the visible rooting depth.
Average rooting depth was not different between the irrigation treatments, but as the irrigation level increased there was a significant linear increase in fleshy and fibrous root number.
Over time, root numbers increased near the soil surface and increased with depth in the soil profile.
Reduced rooting with increased water stress may decrease long term productivity of asparagus.
Crowns were planted and soil water levels were maintained near field capacity for the first year.
From 1993 through 1997, irrigation treatments based on percentages of evapotranspiration (0%, 40%, 80% ET) were applied during the fern growth period of each year.
In early September of 1994, 1995 and 1996, fleshy and fibrous root distribution was assessed.
Pits were dug and root counts made on a 1.5 m2 vertical face divided into a 100 cm2 grid pattern to below the visible rooting depth.
Average rooting depth was not different between the irrigation treatments, but as the irrigation level increased there was a significant linear increase in fleshy and fibrous root number.
Over time, root numbers increased near the soil surface and increased with depth in the soil profile.
Reduced rooting with increased water stress may decrease long term productivity of asparagus.
Publication
Authors
D.T. Drost
Keywords
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