The objective of the work was to evaluate root distribution of mango under trickle irrigation (drip and microsprinkler) in a Coast Plain Sand Soil. Trenches were dug from the plant trunk longitudinally and orthogonally in respect to row plants. Afterwards, root samples were collected according to the monolith method and separated from the soil. They were scanned and digitized in a PC computer. Root length and diameter were determined by using Rootedge software that allowed to map root distribution on sampled soil profiles. Results showed no simetry of root patterns to the trunk in both irrigation systems. Higher root activity is expected under drip irrigation (eight 4lph-drippers per plant) compared to microsprinkler (one 70 lph-emitter per plant). Results also emphasized fertigation as the most suitable means of fertilization of mango under trickle irrigation and allowed to define the most adequate zone of the soil profile around the trunk for soil water sensor placement.
roots; digital image; root density length
