Effects of Aluminium on the Adventitious Root System, Aerial Biomass and Grain Yield of Maize Grown in the Field and in a Rhizotron

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the effects of soluble aluminium on the morphology and growth of the adventitious root system, aerial biomass and grain yield of maize (Zea mays). The analysis focuses on two hybrid cultivars (Al-sensitive HS7777 and Al-tolerant C525M). Experiments were carried out in the field and in a rhizotron in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. In the field, four levels of lime application were used: T 0 = 0 t ha −1 , T 1 = 3.5 t ha −1 , T 2 = 7.0 t ha −1 , and T 3 = 10.5 t ha −1 . Two levels were used in a rhizotron: T 0 and T 3 . In the surface horizon (0-15 cm), the Al concentrations of the soil solution were: T 0 = 15, T 1 = 5.1, T 2 = 4.4, and T 3 = 3.1 µM. In the field, neither Al concentration in the soil solution nor cultivar affected the number of primary adventitious roots per internode or the total number of primary adventitious roots. However, root diameter, plant population and grain yield of the two cultivars confirmed the differences in Al tolerance between them. Al was observed to have an adverse effect on the grain yield from C525M, while low yields from HS7777, at all levels of Al, precluded any response to liming. In the rhizotron studies, Al concentration and cultivar affected the root branching and total root length. Cultivar C525M had more branches and total root length than HS7777, mainly at low concentrations of soil Al solution, leading to greater spatial colonization of the soil down to 0.9 m depth.

Effects of agricultural wastes ash on nutrients concentration and yield of maize (Zea mays l) in Haplic Acrisol of Southeastern Nigeria

“…Potassium and calcium concentrations were increased by the application of the ash. These results agree with the findings of Comin et al (2006) and Owolabi et al (2003) who also observed that application of lime and ash increased the uptake of potassium and calcium in plants.…”

Effect of lime and goat manure on soil acidity and maize (Zea mays) growth parameters at Kavutiri, Embu County- Central Kenya

“…The correlation study showed that soil acidity indices affect maize root differently. This trend agrees with Comin et al (2006) who observed in their work effects of soil acidity on the adventitious root system in the field that soil acidity negatively affected the root branching and root length of maize crop.…”

Cattle Grazing Affects Cotton Root Dimensions and Yield in a Bahiagrass-based Crop Rotation

“…Previous research results indicate that cattle grazing bahiagrass and the subsequent fall planting of a winter cover crop of small grains enhanced yields of summer cotton and peanut crops in the sod-based rotation system established at the experimental site in Marianna, Florida (36). Root development may be one of the factors affecting crop yield, since root growth has been shown to influence production in maize (5), chickpea (14) and rice (11). The largest effect of grazing on the root system was seen in August, a critical time for cotton fruit development, with greater root length and surface area in grazed than in non-grazed treatments.…”