The objective of this work was to evaluate root distribution of orange cv. Pêra under non-irrigated and under microsprinkler irrigated conditions in a Coastal Plain Sandy Soil. Root samples were collected by monolith method from trenches, which were dug aside, the plant trunk at longitudinal and orthogonal directions to plant rows. After separation from soil, roots were scanned and digitized in a PC computer. Root length and diameter were determined using Rootedge software that allowed mapping root distribution on sampled soil profiles. Results showed that root system of microsprinkler irrigated trees occupied higher volume in the soil compared to the one under non-irrigated conditions. Higher amounts of fine roots were found in the profiles of microsprinkler irrigated trees that indicated higher root activity in those profiles compared to the non-irrigated ones. Results also showed that the most suitable locations for soil water sensor placement in orange orchards using microsprinkler irrigation are between 0 and 2.5 m of radial distance from the trunk, at depths between 0 and 1.0 m.
Citrus sinensis; root systems; length; density; rooting
