Analysing Root Architecture and Nutrients Uptake in Zero-till Rabi Maize with Kharif Legumes and Nitrogen Gradient Levels

Root morphology acts as a dynamic pull-push mechanism for nutrient uptake, supporting growth above and below ground. Root architecture evolves in tandem with plant development, facilitating efficient nutrient absorption throughout each growth stage. From sowing to harvest, roots adapt to the soil substrate, optimizing nutrient availability. This synergy between root growth and nutrient dynamics is crucial for overall plant health and productivity.

The research trail was planned focusing on root development and nutrient uptake at MRC-ARI, Rajendrangar, Hyderabad during two seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. The trail was designed with split-plot comprising of 6 main treatments C₁N₁: groundnut_{100% RDN}-maize, C₁N₂: groundnut_{75% RDN}-maize, C₂N₁: soybean_{100% RDN}-maize, C₂N₂: soybean_{75% RDN}-maize, C₃N₁: greengram_{100% RDN}-maize, C₃N₂: greengram_{75% RDN}-maize and 3 sub-plots viz. 100% RDN, 125% RDN, 150% RDN during 2021-22 and 2022-23.

In legume-based maize cropping systems, greengram with 100% RDN demonstrated higher root length, root volume, root density and higher N, P and K uptakes over soybean and groundnut from 30 DAS to harvest in both years. Besides to nitrogen levels, rabi maize treated with 150% RDN had noticeably better root morphology and plant nutrient uptake than 125% and 100% RDN across all crop growth stages. Conversely, the interactive effect (biomass residues × nitrogen gradient levels) in zero-till rabi maize was found to be non-significant in both 2021-22 and 2022-23.