In 1997 the root distribution of two asparagus cultivars (New Jersey 220 and UC 157 F1) irrigated by sprinkler was evaluated in coarse textured soils in experimental and commercial areas at Petrolina county, in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil, to obtain useful information for soil and water management. Both the monolith and the soil profile aided by digital image analysis methods were used to evaluate it. In the experimental area, a greater concentration of root dry weight, root area and length in the soil profile and root length density were found up to 04 m depth for both cultivars, while in commercial area the root area and length of cv. New Jersey 220 were concentrated until 0,6 m depth. Roots reached 1 m depth in both areas. In experimental area, dry weight, area and length in the soil profile and the length density of the roots showed greater presence up to the distance of 0.6 m from the plant row. Most of the roots (88% for cv. New Jersey 220 and 82.2% for cv. UC 157 F1) were found with diameter greater than 2 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, while root diameter estimated by image analysis varied from 2.4 to 2.6 mm (cv. New Jersey 220) and from 2.4 to 3.6 mm (cv. UC 157 F1). Data of both methods of root distribution analysis and diameter estimation showed similarity.
Asparagus officinalis; root distribution; monolith; digital image analysis
