Soil compaction has been considered as one of the agent that affects the sugar cane roots productivity. In this work, the effects of soil compaction were studied on the structural aspects of sugar cane roots (Saccharum officinarum L. 'SP 701143', Poaceae), developed in culture conditions, in a clayed "latossolo roxo" soil. Root samples were colleted in ten areas, at two soil depth, 0-20 and 20-40 cm. The soil bulk density varied from 0.94 to 1.21 g/cm3 at 0-20 cm depth and from 1.02 to 1.23 g/cm3 at 20-40 cm depth in all areas. It was observed a tendency to develop a larger ratio cortex/vascular cylinder in compacted soils.
sugar cane; Saccharum officinarum L.; soil compaction; root structure
