-A digitized image method was compared with a standard washing technique for measuring citrus roots in the field. Video pictures of roots were taken in a soil profile. The profile area analyzed was defined by iron rings, which were also used to remove the roots to determine their dry weight. The roots presented in the pictures were quantified using SIARCS software developed by Embrapa. The root length and area determined by digital images provided a good estimate of root quantity present in the profile.
COMPARAÇÃO DE MÉTODOS DE AVALIAÇÃO DO ENRAIZAMENTO DE CITROS POR MEIO DE IMAGENS EM PERFIL DE SOLO E DO PESO DAS RAÍZESRESUMO -Com o objetivo de comparar métodos de estudo do sistema radicular em citros, foram tomadas, em vídeo, imagens de raízes situadas em um perfil de solo, e as mesmas raízes foram coletadas e pesadas. As raízes presentes nas imagens foram quantificadas (comprimento e área) por meio do programa SIARCS, desenvolvido pela Embrapa. A área do perfil analisada foi delimitada por anéis de ferro, que também foram utilizados para retirar as raízes para a determinação do peso seco. O comprimento e a área de raízes, determinados por imagens digitalizadas, forneceram uma boa estimativa da quantidade de raízes presentes no perfil.Quantity and distribution knowledge of plant root systems helps in understanding the factors which influence agricultural production. This information is useful in studies on water and nutrient uptake, fertilization, soil management and irrigation. The importance of this knowledge has been recognized for a long time. But, historically, most plant research has concentrated on shoot growth, development and function. Much remains to be learned about the relationships between roots and shoots (Klepper, 1991). The reason for this is the work involved in measuring plant root satisfactorily. Thus there is only a vague notion of which is the best root system configuration for different species and environments (Hamblin, 1985).