ROOT DISTRIBUTION STUDIES IN 'KINNOW' MANDARIN BY ROOT EXCAVATION METHOD UNDER DRIP SYSTEM WITH DIFFERENTIAL IRRIGATION TREATMENTS

Root excavation studies were carried out on two year old ‘Kinnow’ plants at Agriculture Research Station, SriGanganagar under drip system in the year 2001 with three irrigation scheduling viz. 40, 70 and 100% evapotranspiration coefficient. The results indicated considerable water saving under all the three irrigation treatments and concentrated development of roots in the top portion of soil (0-20 cm) irrespective of irrigation treatment. The greater amount of feeder roots in comparison to thin and medium type of roots might be due to congenial conditions of loamy sandy soil and good moisture availability in top soil irrespective of different irrigation treatments. The present studies emphasized the need to maintain the adequate moisture in the root zone of orchard through micro-irrigation system at proper irrigation scheduling and will improve the micro climate of the orchard eco system and drip irrigation seems to be only hope for raising the orchards under depleting water resources. Many farmers in the SriGanganagar district who were not convinced in past with the drip system are now encouraged and have installed new ‘Kinnow’ orchards under drip system.