Abstract

A common irrigation-scheduling problem in orchards is the proper location of instruments for monitoring soil water content within the active root zone. Given the high spatial variability of soils in the field, and seasonal changes in root distribution and frequency, both within the orchard and around the trees, the accuracy and representativeness of soil water measurements can be strongly affected. Adequate soil water monitoring in orchards thus requires assessment of the variability and location of the active roots in a given location over an extended period of time. We examined the root systems of 12-year-old 'Hass' avocado (Persea americana Mill.) trees grafted on 'Mexicola' seedling rootstocks, growing in fine or coarse-textured soils, under either drip or microsprinkler irrigation systems in Central Chile. We dug 3 m long and 0.75 m deep trenches within the tree rows in spring, summer and autumn, and counted the active roots (white, diameter ≤2 mm) found on the walls. Over the three growing seasons of our study, season had the most significant effect on root distribution, as autumn root frequencies accounted for about half of the cumulative average. Also, the location of the highest concentration of roots under microsprinklers in autumn clearly differed between the fine soils, at about 200 cm from the trunk and 50-60 cm deep, and coarse soils, where they were found within 30 cm from the trunk, and within the first 25 cm of soil. Trees in fine soil had 25% more roots than those in coarse soil, and drip irrigation produced about 30% more roots than microsprinkler, although both of these figures are mainly due to the high number of roots found in the fine soil-drip irrigation combination. Overall, we found the highest root frequency within the first meter from the tree trunk, for all combinations, with some differences between irrigation types. Throughout the growing season in semi-arid regions, some changes in both the quantity of tree roots and the location of the zones of the greatest root activity should be expected, which will vary according to the seasonal soil temperatures, soil texture, and type of irrigation used. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.