Studies on the root activity and soil feeding zones of mango (Mangifera indica L.) using 32P.
Bhojappa K. M., Singh R. N.
Author Affiliation: Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.
Newsletter, Indian Society for Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture and Biology 2 : 112-113
Abstract : Root activity was measured in one trial by placing 32P capsules at 30, 60 or 90 cm depth, 120, 240, 300 or 360 cm from the trunk of 18-year old mango trees in October and in a second trial by placing capsules at 15, 30 or 60 cm depth and similar distances from the tree trunks in February. In the first trial maximum root activity was found at 30 cm below the surface and 240 cm from the trunk, but in the second trial maximum activity was observed at 15 cm depth and 120 cm from the trunk. About 77% of the root activity was observed up to 60 cm depth in the first trial while in the second, this value was about 85% up to 30 cm depth. Absorption within the peripheral zone of 300 cm was about 88% in both experiments.