Soil physical properties and root system of the coffee, conilon variety under different spacings

Abstract

Abstract: The physical characterization of the soil is of fundamental importance for the evaluation of agricultural limitations, because it is directly related to the growth of the root system of plants and, consequent-mind, the development of cultures. The aim of this study was to evaluate some physical properties of soil cultivated with coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre), conilon variety in spacing ranging from 2.0; 3.0 and 4.0 m between rows and 1.0 meters between plants. The work included the collection and analysis of soil samples with disturbed and undisturbed soil structure structure, taken at four depths up to 0.4 m and 1.0 m lateral distance from the trunk of the plant. The physical properties analyzed were: particle size distribution, bulk density, particle density and total porosity. The amount of dry matter of roots in three diameter classes (fine, medium and coarse), adopted at the same depths in the collection of soil samples, and 0.5 to 1.0 m away from the trunk of the plant was determined. It was found that the physical properties were unaffected by the type of space used and the observed values did not reach critical levels to the development of the roots. The ratio of decrease of the bulk density and the porosity of the soil increased with increasing amount of the roots of 1 to 3 mm in diameter was observed.