Root Distribution of Plantains Growing on Five Soil Types

Abstract

Plantain roots decreased sharply with depth and distance from the pseudostem on 5 soils typical of vast areas in the tropics. Primary roots in the upper 15 cm of all soils decreased from an average of 111 cm/1,000 cm³ of soil at 0-30 cm from the pseudostem, to 29 cm/1,000 cm³ of soil at 60-90 cm from the pseudostem. At 0-30 cm from the pseudostem, roots decreased from 111 cm/1,000 cm³ of soil in the upper 15 cm of soil to 11 cm; 1,000 cm³ of soil at the 30-45 cm depth. No roots were present below 45 cm in any soil.