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Development of root systems during the growth of some vegetable crops

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Summary

The development of the root system of some locally important vegetable crops has been studied. The crops investigated were grown under mediterranean and tropical conditions with appropriate cultural treatment.

The development of root systems was more a reflection of soil conditions than a conformation to a growth pattern specific for the particular crop plant. Evidence for the restricting effect of greater soil bulk density on root development and a relation between soil bulk density and depth of root development was obtained. Frequent irrigation is considered to be a factor Inducing shallow root development and also a lack of nutrients in the deep layers of soil.

Distinct asymetric development of the root system was correlated with the pattern of distribution of the irrigation water.

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Author notes

  1. Carlos A. M. Portas (Associate Professor)

    Present address: Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Luanda, Nova Lisboa, Angola

    Carlos A. M. Portas (Associate Professor)

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  1. Carlos A. M. Portas
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Portas, C.A.M. Development of root systems during the growth of some vegetable crops. Plant Soil 39, 507–518 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00264169

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00264169

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