Abstract
AbstractThe hypothesis that the feeding roots of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) die back because of the effects of pronounced dry season drought in Nigeria was tested using radioactive 32P as a tracer to study P uptake as influenced by different levels of soil moisture. Two trials were carried out in 1964 and 1965, respectively, with the three treatments being: (A) no irrigation during the dry season and 32P applied in solution to the soil; (B) one irrigation of 50.8 mm of water shortly before application of 32P; and (C) irrigation at the rate of 50.8 mm of water per palm per week throughout the dry season and 32P applied to the soil. Leaf samples were taken and the activity of 32P was determined. In both trials the uptake of 32P in treatment C was significantly higher than either treatment A or B and supported the hypothesis that the lower activity was caused by the dieback of the absorbing roots during the dry season drought.
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