The experiment was conducted in the Capim II Farm, in the Capim municipality of Paraiba, with the objective of evaluating the growth indices of the aerial parts and the root system of variety SP 79 1011 of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. The statistical design adapted was a randomized blocks, in a 2 x 6 factorial scheme, with three replications, being six plants samplings made and the components of aerial part and root system analyzed. The dry mass accumulation maximum rate was 0.7169 g d-1 for irrigated sugar cane and 0.6974 g d-1 for sugar cane without irrigation. The maximum Leaf Area Index (LAI) was 6.82, observed around 152 days after planting (DAP) under irrigation; the LAI maximum without irrigation was 6.80 at 157 DAP. More than 90 and of 80% of root dry mass concentrated in the first 60 cm of depth, respectively, under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. Around 76% of root dry mass was found in the first 45 cm of depth. The irrigation system can be designed taking as a base the depth of 60 cm.
Saccharum officinarum L.; dry mass; leaf area index; root system
