The objective of this work was to study the effect of different doses of potassium applied through fertigation by drip irrigation system on the length, area and spatial distribution of the root system of the yellow passion fruit plant (Passiflora edulis Sims. f. flavicarpa Deg), using digital image technique. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Area of ESALQ/USP, Piracicaba, São Paulo State, Brazil, Latitude 22º42'30"S and Longitude 47º38'00"W. Five potassium doses 0, 0.225, 0.450, 0.675 and 0.900 kg plant-1 year-1 of K2O were tested. The potassium doses were applied through irrigation water with seven-days frequency. The SIARCS software was used for the root system evaluation. The root length and area of passion fruit plant reduced with the soil profile depth, and the largest concentrations values were registered up to 0.40 m of depth. The potassium doses of 0 and 0.675 kg plant-1 year-1 of K2O favored higher values of root length and area of the yellow passion fruit plant.
passion fruit; root area; nutrient management; drip irrigation
