Root density of cherry trees grafted on prunus mahaleb in a semi-arid region

Abstract

Root density was investigated using the trench method in a cherry (Prunus avium grafted on Prunus mahaleb) orchard with clean cultivation in inter-rows and in-row. Trenches of 1 m width and 1.2 m depth were dug up between neighbouring trees. The objectives of the paper were to clarify the spatial distribution of root density of cherry trees under the soil and climate conditions of the region to expand knowledge of optimum planting distance and orchard management for a broad area of chernozems. Some soil physical properties were significantly worsened in inter-rows versus in-row, mainly due to soil compaction, and there were higher root density values in in-row versus inter-rows. Root density decreased more intensely with soil depth than with distance from trees. The pattern of root density suggests that the cherry tree density and fruit yield could be increased. However, other factors concerning orchard management and fruit yield should also be considered. The results obtained have a potential impact to improve irrigation and fertilizer application by various methods, considering the soil depth and distance from trees to wet soil, in accordance with root development.

Root System Distribution of Sweet Cherry Trees Grafted on Vigorous Rootstock in Molic Eutricambosoil in Northern Transylvania

“…Several researchers reported relationships between root system and soil properties and agreed, that are direct relationships between rootstock, soil properties and root distribution (Black et al, 2010;Robinson et al, 2014;Aglar, 2016;Ruiz-Sanches, 2005). Our research results are in agreement with other researchers work, according to Paltineanu et al (2016) cherry roots at generative rootstocks are growing horizontally and occupy the entire root space between the studied trees. The fine roots category had the highest number of roots zoned mostly at the surface, near the rootstock base and trunk, showing the great vigor of this rootstock.…”

“…The fine roots category had the highest number of roots zoned mostly at the surface, near the rootstock base and trunk, showing the great vigor of this rootstock. Paltineanu et al (2016) confirms that root density slightly decreased with distance from the trunk. They also agree, that large roots (> 5 mm in diameter) were found deeper in the soil, at least about 1.5 m depth.…”

Agronomic and physiological basis for automating regulated deficit irrigation in sweet cherry trees

“…Prunus mahaleb (SL64) rootstock has traditionally been used in sweet cherry trees in Spain since it is well adapted to the rocky and calcareous soils that predominate in the Mediterranean area. However, the roots of this rootstock have a low capacity to explore and root development is concentrated in the irrigated area, particularly when the trees grow in arid or semiarid climates and have been provided with drip irrigation since planting (Bielorai, 1982;Paltineanu et al, 2016).…”