Root Penetration Studies with 32p In Cereals as Affected By Compact Layers at Varying Depths

Abstract

Field experiments in microplots were conducted to study the root penetration of cereals (what. maize and pearl millet) through compact layers of varying bu It densities. Presence of .5 to 10 em thick compact layer at 10 cm depth offered mechanical impedance to root and plant growth and to com. pensate the early setback in growth. growth continued for longer time. Presence of compact layer at 2S cm depth was not as detrimental as at 10 cm depth. Radiotracer technique involving ³²p seems to be unsuitable for the quantitative deter. mination of root penetration studies through compact layers.