Soil physical conditions and root growth in coconut plantations interplanted with nitrogen fixing trees in Sri Lanka

被引:7
作者
Vidhana Arachchi L.P. [1 ]
De Liyanage M.S. [1 ]
机构
[1] Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwila
关键词
Aeration capacity; Bulk density; Organic matter; Readily available water; Root penetration; Total available water;
D O I
10.1023/A:1005902628112
中图分类号
学科分类号
摘要
The study was carried out to investigate the possibility of improving degraded soil conditions of Andigama series by intercropping coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) with Calliandra calothyrsus, Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia auriculiformis and Gliricidia sepium. Bulk density was significantly low in NFT interplanted plots followed by improved aeration in AB and B horizons of the soil profile. Total and readily available water fraction was higher in AB and B horizons of calliandra, acacia and gliricidia interplanled plots over control plots due to the increase of organic matter content and root growth. Root growth and proliferation of calliandra in A horizon were predominantly higher than that of leucaena, acacia and gliricidia species. In contrast, gliricidia roots penetrated into B horizon more densely than roots of other species. Better root growth of coconut in A horizon was observed in acacia and calliandra plots than other plots. The total coconut root biomass in AB and B horizons was higher in gliricidia and acacia plots than other species, which accounted for 91% and 0.3% in AB horizon and 21% and 23% in B horizon for gliricidia and acacia, respectively compared to the control. Total root biomass of coconut in calliandra plots was reduced by 5%, and 45% in AB and B horizons respectively. Results indicated that soil physical conditions of Andigama series (gravelly soil) could be significantly improved by interplanting acacia and gliricidia, as indicated by enhanced coconut root growth and proliferation.
引用
收藏
页码:305 / 318
页数:13
相关论文
共 21 条
[1]  
Atwell B.J., Physiological responses of lupin roots to soil compaction, Plant and Soil III, pp. 277-281, (1988)
[2]  
Bohm W., Methods of Studying Root Systems, (1979)
[3]  
Boone F.R., Veen B.W., Mechanisms of crop response to soil compaction, Soil Compaction in Crop Production, pp. 597-625, (1994)
[4]  
Brady N.C., Physical properties of mineral soils, The Nature and Properties of Soils: 10th Edition, pp. 91-175, (1990)
[5]  
Danielson R.E., Sutherland, Porosity, Method of Soil Analysis. Part 1. 2nd Ed., pp. 443-460, (1986)
[6]  
De Alwis K.A., Panabokke C.R., Handbook of the soil of Sri Lanka, Journal of the Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka, 2, pp. 1-26, (1972)
[7]  
Gunasena H.P.M., Hitinayake H.M.G.S.B., Nutrient recycling in allay cropping system, Proc. Nitrogen Fixation and Soil Fertility, (1987)
[8]  
Gunasena H.P.M., Mapa R.B., Pushpakumara D.K.N.G., Effect of alley cropping on soil physical and chemical properties in the mid country intermediate zone, Proceedings-fourth Regional Workshop on Multipurpose Trees, (1991)
[9]  
Joshua W.D., Physical properties of Reddish Brown earth soils (Alfisols) and their relationship to agriculture, J Soil Sci Sri Lanka, 5, pp. 1-42, (1985)
[10]  
Klute A., Water retention. Laboratory methods, Methods of Soil Analysis, Part 1. Second Ed., pp. 425-441, (1986)