Water uptake and root distribution by corn and tomato at different depths

Water uptake and root distribution by corn and tomato at different depths

1985

A:PS

Root systems were studied to determine if differences in utilization of soil moisture were associated with the extent and number of roots produced by corn and tomato. Growth room studies for both crops indicated that the reduction in transpiration when the upper portion of the root zone was dry was greater than when the lowere portion was dry. Total root length of corn was about twice that of tomato roots. However, no direct relationship between the total amount of root length and transpiration was found. Roots of corn and tomato in the field extended beyond the maximum depth measured (100 cm) betwen 42-46 days after establishment. The spatial density of corn roots was much greater than that of tomato roots, repecially as depths increased. This difference possibly explaines the use of stored soil moisture by corn. On the other hand, the capacity of tomatoes to extract large amounts of water from the soil cannot be explained by the density and rooting depth. Perhaps this capacity is due to total root surface area differences or high absorption capacity of tomato root system. [AS]

v.20(4):686-688, HORTSCIENCE

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