Root Development of Acerola Trees as Affected by Timing

Abstract

Data are presented herein on the effect of liming on root development of acerola trees planted in an acid Mabí clay. Lime was applied to the soil to raise the original soil pH of 4.5 to 5.5 and 6.5, respectively. After three crop years, undisturbed soil cores were taken within 20- and 40-inch radii from the main stem and at depths of 0 to 6 and 6 to 12 inches from selected trees in unlimed and limed plots. Liming the soil to pH 5.5 and 6.5, respectively, increased the amount of roots of the acerola trees significantly over that obtained in unlimed plots. The lime-treated trees developed vigorously with dark green foliage and produced significantly heavier fruit yields than the unlimed trees which made an unthrifty growth with light green or yellow-green foliage. These results point to the need for liming low calcium acid soils for successful acerola production.