Root distribution of grapefruit trees under dry granular broadcast vs. fertigation method

• Published in: Plant and soil 1996-06, Vol.183 (1), p.79-84
• Main Authors: Zhang, M. (Florida Univ., Fort Pierce, FL (USA). Inst. of Food and Agricultural Sciences), Alva, A.K, Li, Y.C, Calvert, D.V
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: APPLICATION A LA VOLEE; AZOTE; BROADCASTING; Broadcasting industry; CITRUS AURANTIUM; CITRUS PARADISI; DISTRIBUCION A VOLEO; FERTIGATION; Fertilizers; FERTIRRIGACION; Forest canopy; IRRIGATION; IRRIGATION FERTILISANTE; MINERAL NUTRIENTS; NITROGEN; NITROGENO; NUTRICION DE LAS PLANTAS; NUTRIENTES MINERALES; NUTRITION DES PLANTES; PLANT NUTRITION; Plant roots; RACINE; RAICES; RIEGO; ROOT SYSTEMS; Rooting depth; ROOTS; Rootstocks; Sand soils; SISTEMA RADICULAR; SUBSTANCE NUTRITIVE MINERALE; SYSTEME RACINAIRE; Tree trunks
• ISSN: 0032-079X; 1573-5036
• DOI: 10.1007/bf02185567

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization methods on root distribution and mineral element concentrations of White Marsh grapefruit (Citrus paradisi MacFadyen) trees on sour orange (C. aurantium Lush) rootstock on a poorly drained soil. At 0-15 cm depth of soil, root density was significantly greater for trees receiving 112 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ as dry granular broadcast than those receiving the same amount of N as fertigation. Of the total roots in the top 60 cm soil, > 75% was at 0-15 cm and < 10% was at 30-60 cm. Root density was greatest near the emitter. Nitrogen concentration of roots was greater for the trees which received fertigation as compared to the trees which received dry fertilizer broadcast or no N.