Root distribution pattern in two age groups of litchi plants growing under Alfisols of Eastern plateau and hill region of India

Abstract

The investigations were carried out at ICAR RCER, Research Centre, Plandu, Ranchi, Jharkhand during 2011 and 2012 to study the pattern of root distribution in Young bearing (age 8-10 years) and Senior-adult bearing plants (age >25 years) of litchi cv. Shahi growing under alfisols of eastern plateau and hill region. Core sampling technique was followed for collecting roots from different depths of soil (0-30 cm, 30-60 cm and 60-90 cm) at distances from trunk at 50 cm intervals (50 to 450 cm from trunk in of senior adult bearing plants and 50-300 cm in young bearing plants) in both North and South directions. Data were recorded on weights of different grades of roots Grade-1 (diameter <1mm), Grade-2 (diameter 1-3 mm), Grade-3 (diameter 3-5 mm), Grade-4 (diameter >5mm). In both the types of plants, the total root weight in south aspect was higher than that in north aspect of tree. The investigations clearly indicated presence of higher amount of finer roots at a distance between 250-350 cm from the trunk in case of senior adult bearing trees and at a distance of 250-300 cm from the trunk in case of young bearing trees.