ABSTRACT: Land use and tillage practices may change soil structure and undermine sustainable agriculture; however, such changes are hardly identified in the short term. In this sense, agroforestry systems have been used to reduce soil degradation and promote sustainable production in coffee plantations. These areas are expected to have well-structured soils and hence improved root distribution. This study aimed to evaluate soil quality by the morphostructural and root distribution analyses comparing open-grown coffee and coffee in agroforestry systems with rubber trees for 19 years, in an Oxisol in northern Paraná State (Brazil). Treatments consisted of open-grown coffee (OG), coffee partially shaded by rubber trees (PSH), and coffee fully shaded by rubber trees (FSH). The mapping of morphostructural features and soil resistance to penetration in “cultural profile” walls identified changes in soil structure resulting from different tillage systems. Root distribution was better in coffee plants grown in PSH and FSH systems. At greater depths, cultural profiles of FSH and PSH showed a larger numbers of roots compared to OG. Among the three systems, PSH provided a better environment for root growth and distribution. This result could be attributed to the high biological activity and interaction between roots and aggregates in that profile. The FSH agroforestry system provided less compact morphological structures and more roots throughout the soil profile. The agroforestry systems presented fewer soil structural changes by tillage operations and lower values of soil penetration resistance. Coffee root distribution was an effective indicator of soil quality and consistent with the morphostructural characterization of cultural profile.

ABSTRACT: Mechanical harvesting leaves in its wake a considerable amount of straw in the field, which can be effectively utilized to improve the soil condition and sugarcane yield. However, there is no specific information as to the quantity of straw mulch required to achieve such effects and as to whether it can be used in other sectors for bioelectricity and ethanol production. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of removing different amounts of straw from the field and its impact on the yield and industrial quality of sugarcane ratoons. The experiment was carried out on Rhodic soil where six treatments were evaluated including 0 %, 25 % (5 Mg ha−1), 50 % (10 Mg ha−1), 75 % (15 Mg ha−1), 100 % (20 Mg ha−1) straw on the soil surface and burned sugarcane (where 100 % of the straw was burned). The influence on yield and industrial quality was calculated using total soluble solids, Pol (Apparent sucrose content), apparent purity, total sugars, reducing sugars and fiber. Shifting the harvesting system from burned cane to growing under straw mulch improved crop yield as well as favoring sugar contents during water deficit conditions. The straw left on the soil did not affect industrial quality in any way during the trials; however, under drought conditions, treatments with 50 and 75 % of straw resulted in a 76 % higher yield compared to burned sugarcane, and 29 % more than the 0 %, 25 % to 100 % treatments of straw mulch thus favoring higher sugar production. The removal of 50 % of the straw caused no damage to the sugarcane crop.

ABSTRACT Soil structure plays an important role in water retention, infiltration capacity, porosity, and penetration resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and physical properties of Oxisol soils (bulk density and macro-, micro-, and total porosity) in the structures identified using the profil cultural method in areas under two different management practices (perennial pasture and sugarcane). Three pits were dug in each plot to find out how homogeneous morphological structural units (HMSU) were organized in the soil. Next, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (Ki) was measured in situ inside each HMSU using a triple-ring infiltrometer at multiple suction. Six samples were collected (two samples for each kind of structural organization in each pit) to determine soil bulk density, total porosity, and macro- and microporosity. Each management practice resulted in a distribution of structures in the soil profile. The behavior of morphologically similar clods was the same, regardless of the physical manipulation of the soil. The distribution of structures based on the management practice determines specific hydraulic conductivities in the soil profile.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes quantidades de palhada sobre o sistema radicular e a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum), de primeira e segunda soqueiras, em Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico. Seis tratamentos foram avaliados : 0, 5 (25%), 10 (50%), 15 (75%) e 20 Mg ha-1 (100%) de palhada e cana-queimada, na primeira e segunda soqueiras. Utilizou-se a cana-de-açúcar 'SP80-1816'. Avaliou-se a massa de raízes a 0,45 e 0,75 m de distância da linha de plantio, até 0,60 m de profundidade. Na primeira soqueira, os tratamentos com 50, 75 e 100% de palhada proporcionaram maior massa radicular até 0,20 m de profundidade, em comparação aos tratamentos cana-queimada, 0 e 5 Mg ha-1 (25%) de palhada. Os tratamentos com 50 e 75% de palhada proporcionaram produtividades 43% maiores do que a da cana-queimada (110 Mg ha-1). O tratamento com 10 Mg ha-1 (50%) foi suficiente para proporcionar aumento da massa radicular e da produtividade da cana-de-açúcar. O sistema radicular e a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar são favorecidos pela mudança do sistema de colheita de cana-queimada para o de cana sob palhada.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different amounts of straw on the root system and productivity of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), of first and second ratoons, in an Oxisol. Six treatments were evaluated: 0, 5 (25%), 10 (50%), 15 (75%), and 20 Mg ha-1 (100%) straw and burned sugarcane of the first and second ratoons. 'SP80-1816' sugarcane was used. Root mass at 0.45 and 0.75 m away from the row, and up to 0.60 m deep was evaluated. In the first ratoon, treatments with 50, 75 and 100% straw provided greater root mass up to 0.20-m depth, in comparison to treatments of burned sugarcane, and 0 and 5 Mg ha-1 (25%) straw. The treatments with 50 and 75% straw had 43% higher yields than burned sugarcane (110 Mg ha-1). The treatment with 10 Mg ha-1 straw (50%) was sufficient to provide increased root mass and productivity of sugarcane. The root system and the productivity of sugarcane are favored by the change of burned-sugarcane harvesting system to sugarcane under straw.

Pasture degradation is a concern, especially in susceptible sandy soils for which strategies to recover them must be developed. Microbiological and biochemical soil health indicators are useful in the guindace of soil management practices and sustainable soil use. We assessed the success of threePanicum maximum Jacq. cultivars in the reclamation of a pasture in a sandy Typic Acrudox in the northwest of the state of Paraná, Brazil, based on soil health indicators. On a formerly degraded pasture withUrochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster, a trial with threeP. maximum (cv. Massai, Tanzânia, or Mombaça) was conducted. Lime and phosphate were applied at set-up, and mineral N and K as topdressing. A remnant of degraded pasture adjacent to the trial was used as control. Twenty-three chemical, physical, microbiological and biochemical attributes were assessed for the 0-10 cm topsoil. The procedures for reclamation improved most of the indicators of soil health in relation to the degraded pasture, such as soil P, mineral N, microbial biomass C, ammonification rate, dehydrogenase activity and acid phosphatase. CO2 evolution decreased, whereas microbial biomass C increased in the pasture under reclamation, resulting in a lower metabolic quotient (qCO2) that points to a decrease in metabolic stress of the microbial community. The reclamation of the pasture withP. maximum, especially cv. Mombaça, were evidenced by improvements in the microbiological and biochemical soil health indicators, showing a recovery of processes related to C, N and P cycling in the soil.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes quantidades de palhada sobre os índices biométricos e fisiológicos e sobre a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar, no primeiro ciclo de cultivo (cana-planta) da variedade SP 801816. Cinco tratamentos - com 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de palhada - foram avaliados aos 60, 180, 270 e 350 dias após o plantio. Determinaram-se os seguintes índices biométricos: área foliar, número de folhas, massa de matéria fresca e número de perfilhos. Os índices fisiológicos foram: índice de área foliar (IAF), taxa de crescimento da cultura (TCC) e taxa de crescimento relativo (TCR). Observou-se efeito significativo da palhada em todas as variáveis. Os tratamentos com 100, 75 e 50% de palhada proporcionaram os maiores valores de IAF, TCC, TCR e número de perfilhos, e os tratamentos com 50 e 75%, as maiores produtividades. A manutenção da palhada em superfície não foi prejudicial ao desenvolvimento da cultura. A retirada total ou a manutenção de 25% da palhada resultaram nas menores produtividades. A retirada de 50% da palhada não causa prejuizos à cultura.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different amounts of straw mulch on the biometric and physiological indices and on the yield of the sugarcane variety SP 801816, in the first crop cycle (plant cane). Five treatments - with 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% straw mulch - were evaluated at 60, 180, 270, and 350 days after planting. The following biometric indices were determined: leaf area, number of leaves, fresh matter weight, and number of tillers. The physiological indices were: leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), and relative growth rate (RGR). A significant effect of straw mulch was observed on all variables. Treatments with 100, 75, and 50% straw provided the highest values for LAI, CGR, RGR, and number of tillers, and the treatments with 50 and 75% straw provided the highest yields. Keeping straw mulch at the soil surface had no effect detrimental to sugarcane development. Total removal or straw kept at 25% resulted in the lowest yields. Removal of 50% straw can be done without harming the crop.

A cana-de-açúcar é, na atualidade, uma das culturas de maior importância no agronegócio brasileiro, a qual envolve o uso de máquinas agrícolas em todas as fases do cultivo - do preparo do solo até a colheita. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os atributos físicos e o crescimento de raízes em Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico cultivado com cana-de-açúcar por diferentes períodos de tempo. O estudo foi conduzido em uma área de produção de cana-de-açúcar em Rolândia, Paraná, com diferentes tratamentos (número de cortes: 1, 3, 8, 10 e 16); a colheita foi realizada com cana queimada e corte manual, determinando-se: densidade, macro e microporosidade, resistência do solo à penetração, densidade do solo, densidade de comprimento e área de raízes. Conclui-se que as práticas de manejo na cultura da cana-de-açúcar promovem alterações na resistência, densidade e porosidade do solo, em comparação com a mata nativa; essas alterações nos atributos físicos foram impeditivas ao pleno desenvolvimento radicular da cana-de-açúcar além de 10 cm de profundidade, em todos os períodos de cultivo analisados.

Sugarcane, which involves the use of agricultural machinery in all crop stages, from soil preparation to harvest, is currently one of the most relevant crops for agribusiness in Brazil. The purpose of this study was to investigate soil physical properties and root growth in a eutroferric red Oxisol (Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico) after different periods under sugarcane. The study was carried out in a cane plantation in Rolândia, Paraná State, where treatments consisted of a number of cuts (1, 3, 8, 10 and 16), harvested as green and burned sugarcane, at which soil bulk density, macro and microporosity, penetration resistance, as well as root length, density and area were determined. Results showed that sugarcane management practices lead to alterations in soil penetration resistance, bulk density and porosity, compared to native forest soil. These alterations in soil physical characteristics impede the full growth of the sugarcane root system beneath 10 cm, in all growing seasons analyzed.

A densidade de comprimento de raízes (DCR) é uma característica importante para determinar o potencial de absorção de água e nutrientes das plantas, mas é difícil de ser medida. Nenhum método padrão está atualmente disponível para avaliar a DCR no solo. Neste estudo, um método in situ usado em outras culturas para estudo da densidade de comprimento e distribuições das raízes foi testado para a cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.). O método envolveu contagem de intersecções de raízes (CIR) no perfil de um Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico, usando grade com quadrículas de 0.05 x 0.05 m, modelizando a DCR a partir da CIR. Os resultados foram comparados com o método do trado cilíndrico (TRA) (volume de 0.00043 m-3). Em quatro épocas durante o ciclo em três manejos do solo (plantio convencional, cultivo mínimo e plantio direto), em oito profundidades divididas a cada 0.1 m (entre 0 - 0.6 e 1.6 - 1.8 m) e três distâncias horizontais em relação à linha de plantio (0 - 0.23, 0.23 - 0.46 e 0.46 - 0.69 m), os métodos TRA e CIR apresentaram resultados de DCR similares. Encontrou-se positiva entre TRA e CIR (R² = 0,76). As DCRs nos perfis, considerando as médias das três distâncias da linha por profundidade, obtida utilizando-se de TRA e CIR (média de quatro datas e 12 repetições), foram próximas e não diferiram a cada 0.1 m de profundidade até 0.6 m de profundidade. A DCR total entre 0 e 0.6 m foi de 7.300 e 7.100 m m-2 para TRA e CIR, respectivamente. Para o tempo de realização, o método CIR foi 10 vezes mais rápido do que TRA e o método CIR pode ser realizado no campo, sem necessidade de remover amostras de solo. A distribuição da DCR em profundidade e distância da linha (variabilidade 2D) pelo método CIR pode ser avaliada em relação às propriedades do solo nos mesmos perfis do solo. O método CIR foi apropriado para estudos dessas relações 2D (profundidade e distância da linha no perfil do solo) entre solo, manejo e distribuição de raízes no campo.

Root length density (RLD) is a critical feature in determining crops potential to uptake water and nutrients, but it is difficult to be measured. No standard method is currently available for assessing RLD in the soil. In this study, an in situ method used for other crops for studying root length density and distribution was tested for sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). This method involved root intersection counting (RIC) on a Rhodic Eutrudox profile using grids with 0.05 x 0.05 m and modeling RLD from RIC. The results were compared to a conventional soil core-sampled method (COR) (volume 0.00043 m³). At four dates of the cropping season in three tillage treatments (plowing soil, minimum tillage and direct planting), with eight soil depths divided in 0.1 m soil layer (between 0-0.6 and 1.6-1.8 m) and three horizontal distances from the row (0-0.23, 0.23-0.46 and 0.46-0.69 m), COR and RIC methods presented similar RLD results. A positive relationship between COR and RIC was found (R² = 0.76). The RLD profiles considering the average of the three row distances per depth obtained using COR and RIC (mean of four dates and 12 replications) were close and did not differ at each depth of 0.1 m within a total depth of 0.6 m. Total RLD between 0 and 0.6 m was 7.300 and 7.100 m m-2 for COR and RIC respectively. For time consumption, the RIC method was tenfold less time-consuming than COR and RIC can be carried out in the field with no need to remove soil samples. The RLD distribution in depth and row distance (2-D variability) by RIC can be assessed in relation to the soil properties in the same soil profiles. The RIC method was suitable for studying these 2-D (depth and row distance in the soil profile) relationships between soil, tillage and root distribution in the field.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se o sistema de preparo do solo afeta a distribuição e o acúmulo de matéria seca (MS), carbono (C) e nitrogênio (N) das raízes de soja (Glycine max) e milho (Zea mays), em um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico muito argiloso. A amostragem das raízes até 1 m de profundidade foi feita com anéis volumétricos. A distribuição em profundidade e o acúmulo de MS, C e N das raízes não foram influenciados pelo preparo do solo. A densidade de comprimento de raízes na camada de 0-0, 10 m foi de 0,7 a 1,4 cm cm-3 em soja, e de 1,2 a 1,6 cm cm-3 em milho, e decresceu nas demais camadas. O acúmulo de MS das raízes foi de 1,94 a 2,01 Mg ha-1 em soja, e de 2,50 a 3,79 Mg ha-1 em milho. Houve acúmulo de 0,61 a 0,63 Mg ha-1 de C e de 36,9 a 38,2 kg ha-1 de N em soja, e de 0,72 a 1,10 Mg ha-1 de C e de 18,78 a 28,48 kg ha-1 de N em milho. Independentemente do sistema de preparo do solo, 80% das raízes situam-se entre 0,43 e 0,54 m de profundidade em soja, e entre 0,40 e 0,46 m em milho.

The objective of this work was to examine whether soil tillage systems affect the distribution and accumulation of dry matter (DM), carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) of root systems of soybean (Glycine max) and corn (Zea mays) in a clayey Typic Haplorthox. Volumetric rings were used for root sampling down to 1 m depth. The distribution in depth and accumulation of DM, C and N of soybean and corn roots were not affected by soil tillage systems. Root length density was 0.7-1.4 cm cm-3 for soybean and 1.2-1.6 cm cm-3 for corn in the 0-0.10 m layer and decreased in the other layers. Root DM input was 1.94-2.01 Mg ha-1 in soybean and 2.50-3.79 Mg ha-1 in corn. For soybean, C and N root inputs were 0.61-0.63 Mg ha-1 and 36.9-38.2 kg ha-1, respectively. For corn, C and N root inputs were 0.72-1.10 Mg ha-1 and 18.78-28.48 kg ha-1, respectively. Independently of the tillage system, 80% of the roots were concentrated in the upper surface layer 0.43 to 0.54 m deep for soybean and in the upper surface layer 0.40 to 0.46 m deep for corn.

A distribuição de classes de tamanho, a quantidade e a estabilidade dos agregados constituem importantes critérios para avaliação da estrutura, a qual desempenha papel relevante nas relações entre o solo e as plantas. A vinhaça, quando aplicada ao solo, provoca aumento na atividade microbiana em conseqüência da adição da matéria orgânica nela contida. Essa atividade é acompanhada pelo aumento na produção de mucilagem, que pode favorecer a agregação e promover aumento na estabilidade estrutural do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a estabilidade de agregados em um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico textura muito argilosa tratado com diferentes doses de vinhaça. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda-Escola da Universidade Estadual de Londrina no período de agosto de 1997 a agosto de 1999, num delineamento de blocos ao acaso com cinco tratamentos (doses de vinhaça) e quatro repetições. Amostras de solo foram coletadas nas profundidades de 0-10, 10-20, 20-30 e 30-40 cm. As avaliações do presente trabalho são referentes à quinta colheita (quarta soca), realizada em agosto de 1999. As doses de vinhaça foram de 0, 150, 300, 450 e 600 m³ ha-1, e os índices de agregação determinados foram diâmetro médio ponderado (DMP), diâmetro médio geométrico (DMG) e índice de estabilidade de agregados (IEA). Os resultados mostraram que as diferentes doses de vinhaça não promoveram mudanças significativas nos índices de agregação nas profundidades estudadas.

The size distribution, the quantity and stability of soil aggregates are important parameters to evaluate the soil structure, which plays a relevant role in soil-plant relationships. Vinasse when applied on soil stimulates microbial activity because of its organic matter content. This activity may increase mucilage production and improve the aggregation and soil structural stability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the aggregate stability in an Oxisol treated with different vinasse doses. The study was carried out at the Londrina State University Exerimental Farm from August 1997 to August 1999, in randomized blocks, with five treatments (vinasse doses) and four replications. The soil samples were collected in four soil layers (0-10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-40 cm). The evaluations of this study were carried out at the fifth harvest (fourth ratoon), in August 1999. Vinasse was applied at 0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 m³ ha-1 and the following aggregation indices were determined: Ponderate Middle Diameter (PMD), Geometrical Middle Diameter (GMD) and Aggregate Stability Index (ASI). The results showed that different vinasse doses did not significantly alter the aggregation indices of the different depths studied.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a arquitetura do sistema radicular de árvores de acácia-negra (Acacia mearnsii) aos três anos após o plantio, em razão da combinação de oito tipos de recipientes e seis misturas de substratos usados na produção das mudas, levando-se em consideração atributos químicos e físicos do solo. As árvores foram plantadas no município de Cristal (RS), em solo Podzólico Vermelho Escuro, que apresentou alta densidade, baixo pH e excesso de alumínio. O tratamento que teve maior desenvolvimento radicular foi o fertil-pot, com substrato constituído por solo adubado, que diferiu estatisticamente dos tratamentos tubete redondo, com solo adubado + casca de acácia esgotada + vermiculita; paper pot, com solo adubado e laminado acondicionado em caixas de madeira, com solo adubado. O desenvolvimento e arquitetura das raízes no campo foram afetado pelo recipiente, mas não pelo substrato utilizado na fase de viveiro.

The objective of this study was to characterize the architecture of the root system of black wattle trees (Acacia mearnsii), three years after planting, in relation to eight types of containers and six substrata used in the nursery, considering chemical and physical conditions of the soil. The experiment was carried out in Cristal (RS), in a Podzolic Dark Red soil. The soil presented high density, low pH and excess of aluminum. The treatment that induced larger root development was fertil-pot with fertilized soil, which differed significantly from the treatments round plug, with fertilized soil + acacia exhausted bark + vermiculite; paper pot, with fertilized soil and laminated in wood box, with fertilized soil. The development and the architecture of the roots in the field was affected by the container but not by the substrata used in the nursery.

Estudos sobre o sistema radicular são importantes para seleção de material genético e orientação de tratos culturais, como irrigação localizada, adubação e manejo de solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a distribuição do sistema radicular de seis porta-enxertos cítricos em um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico no Norte do Paraná, levando em conta os atributos químicos e físicos do solo. Foram avaliadas plantas com 11 anos de idade de lima ácida 'Tahiti', clone IAC-5 [Citrus latifolia (Yu. Tanaka)] enxertadas nos seguintes porta-enxertos: limão 'Cravo' (C. limonia Osbeck), limão 'Rugoso da África' (C. jambhiri Lush.), tangerina 'Sunki' [C. sunki (Hayata) hort. ex Tan.], Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., citrange 'C13' [C. sinensis (L.) Osb. x P. trifoliata (L.) Raf] e limão 'Volcameriano' (C. volkameriana Ten. & Pasq.), clone Catânia 2. Utilizou-se o método da trincheira e a quantificação das raízes foi feita em imagens digitais com o programa SIARCS®. O citrange 'C13' apresentou a maior quantidade de raízes e os limões 'Volcameriano' e 'Rugoso da África' tiveram as menores quantidades. A profundidade efetiva, até onde se encontram 80 % das raízes, foi de 31 a 53 cm na linha de plantio e de 67 a 68 cm na entrelinha. A distância efetiva, até onde se encontram 80 % das raízes a partir do tronco, na entrelinha ultrapassou o raio da copa das árvores para P. trifoliata, tangerina 'Sunki' e limões 'Volcameriano' e 'Rugoso da África'.

Field studies on citrus roots are important for genetic selection of cultivars and for management practices such as localized irrigation and fertilization. To characterize root systems of six rootstocks, taking into consideration chemical and physical characteristics of a clayey Typic Hapludox of the Northern State of Paraná, this study was performed having as scion the 'IAC-5 Tahiti' lime [Citrus latifolia (Yu. Tanaka)]. The rootstocks 'Rangpur' lime (C. limonia Osbeck), 'Africa Rough' lemon (C. jambhiri Lush.), 'Sunki' mandarin [C. sunki (Hayata) hort. ex Tan.], Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., 'C13' citrange [C. sinensis (L.) Osb. x P. trifoliata (L.) Raf] and 'Catânia 2' Volkamer lemon (C. volkameriana Ten. & Pasq.) were used applying the trench profile method and the SIARCS® 3.0 software to determine root distribution. 'C-13' citrange had the largest root system. 'Volkamer' lemon and 'Africa Rough' lemon presented the smallest amount of roots. The effective depth for 80 % of roots was 31-53 cm in rows and 67-68 cm in inter-rows. The effective distance of 80 % of roots measured from the tree trunk exceeded the tree canopy for P. trifoliata, 'Sunki' mandarin, and 'Volkamer' and 'Africa Rough' lemons.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a distribuição do sistema radicular de árvores de acácia-negra (Acacia mearnsii) com 3 anos de idade, provenientes de mudas formadas em diferentes recipientes e instaladas em um Argissolo no Rio Grande do Sul. Os recipientes utilizados foram: laminado, tubete redondo e bandeja de isopor. As avaliações da distribuição das raízes foram feitas pelo método da parede do perfil até 1 m de profundidade, na linha e na entrelinha de plantio. Foram feitas, também, análises físicas do solo: densidade, porosidade total e distribuição de poros. O recipiente usado na formação da muda influenciou o crescimento do sistema radicular da planta no campo. O laminado de madeira apresentou-se superior ao tubete quanto ao comprimento de raízes nas linhas de plantio. As raízes cresceram melhor nas linhas de plantio, onde as condições de densidade e porosidade do solo se encontravam mais adequadas.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the root system distribution of three-year-old black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) trees. The plants were originated from seedlings grown in different containers and planted in an Argisol in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The containers used for seedling production were: wood laminated pots, round plastic tubettes and styrofoam trays. The evaluations were carried out using the trench profile method up to 1 m depth on tree rows and inter-rows. The following soil analyses were also carried out: bulk density, total porosity and pore distribution. The type of container used influenced the development of the root system of trees on the field. Wood laminated pots were better than the round tubettes for root length in the tree rows. The roots developed better on the tree rows where soil density and porosity conditions were more adequate.

Com o objetivo de comparar métodos de estudo do sistema radicular em citros, foram tomadas, em vídeo, imagens de raízes situadas em um perfil de solo, e as mesmas raízes foram coletadas e pesadas. As raízes presentes nas imagens foram quantificadas (comprimento e área) por meio do programa SIARCS, desenvolvido pela Embrapa. A área do perfil analisada foi delimitada por anéis de ferro, que também foram utilizados para retirar as raízes para a determinação do peso seco. O comprimento e a área de raízes, determinados por imagens digitalizadas, forneceram uma boa estimativa da quantidade de raízes presentes no perfil.

A digitized image method was compared with a standard washing technique for measuring citrus roots in the field. Video pictures of roots were taken in a soil profile. The profile area analyzed was defined by iron rings, which were also used to remove the roots to determine their dry weight. The roots presented in the pictures were quantified using SIARCS software developed by Embrapa. The root length and area determined by digital images provided a good estimate of root quantity present in the profile.