Distribution and morphology of roots of the Nigerian tall coconut [Cocos nucifera] in relation to nutrient absorption and fertilizer placement.
1986
Omoti U. | Amalu U.C. | Ataga D.O.
The distribution and morphology of the roots of five, 11 and 13-year-old Nigerian Tall coconuts in fields at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) Main Station and Badagry on a sandy and clay-loam soils respectively were studied by direct excavation. Quantitative estimate of the distribution of the roots laterally and vertically showed that the mass of the primary roots were significantly higher than the roots of the other orders. The primary roots had zones of concentration laterally and vertically which were significantly different, while the distribution of the secondaries and combined tertiaries and higher order roots showed no significant differences either laterally or vertically between the 12 distance and four depth intervals studied except at the 0-30 cm depth in the 13-year-old palms in which the tertiaries and higher order roots combined had significantly higher concentration than at other depths. Root production in the five-year-old palms showed that significantly more roots were produced under Pueraria phaseoloides and Centrosema pubescens covers than under bare soil surface condition. In the mature palms, the results suggested that up to the distance of 3.6 m investigated, the zone of fertilizer placement may not be critical. For the young palms, however, application should be restricted to about 0.6 m radius for efficient utilization by the palms. In both young and adult palms, surface application by broadcasting or incorporation to a depth not exceeding 60 cm, particularly, in slopy areas was recommended to enhance efficient utilization.
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