STUDIES OF THE ROOT SYSTEM OF COFFEA ARABICA L.

Abstract

1. Ninety-five per cent of the roots of coffee trees in Catalina clay soil were found in the upper 12 inches of soil. 2. Catalina clay soil is very deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. 3. A heavy and vigorous tree top was correlated with an extensive root system. 4. A fixed ratio of tops to roots, approximately 3 to 1, was shown in Catalina clay soil. 5. The diameter of the trunk proved to be more indicative of the size of the root system than was the lateral spread of the branches or the height of the tree. 6. The lateral and vertical spread of the roots of the 7-year-old coffee trees studied was found to be slightly over four feet.