Department of Soils, Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar
Root distribution study of wheat varieties Kalyan sona, HD 1977 and HD 1941 in relation to irrigation was conducted in a sierozem soil of Haryana using tracer technique. In all the varieties except HD 1977 with increase in number of irrigation, the lateral and vertical root prolification increased in the upper surface. However, the vertical root prolification was not much affected and lateral prolification was erratic with increased irrigation in variety HD 1977. Presence of hard pan of CaCO2 due to soil heterogenity at 60–120 cm depth retarded the root prolilcation in the treatment where one irrigation at crown root initiation stage was given, whereas in other treatments, no such hard pan was encountered. Deeper penetration of roots at low moisture percentage has been explained. Root weight and grain yield increased with increasing the number of irrigation.
