Abstract
Root system of maize, cowpea, maize and cowpea inter-cropped, cassava, yam and sweet potato were investigated in large boxes 240×115×20 cm. One broad side of these boxes was made of a removable transparent plexiglass sheet. The soil was packed in the boxes at a dry bulk density of 1.28 g cm−3. Maize roots penetrated to a depth of 135 cm in 4 weeks and 240 cm in eight weeks after seeding. Total root mass at 4 weeks after seeding was 3.53 and 22.0 g per plant for cowpea and maize, respectively. In eight weeks total root mass of cowpea was 130 g per plant compared with 292 g per plant for maize. The effect of mixed cropping was to increase the total root mass compared with sole crop of maize or cowpea. However, the sum of the root mass of sole maize and cowpea was greater than the total root mass of maize and cowpea grown simultaneously. Among the tuberous crops investigated, cassava has a very deep and prolific root system and sweet potato has a very shallow root system. Results are discussed in terms of agronomic implications towards spacing, optimum plant population, and tillage practices.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
