Abstract:

The spatial distribution characteristics and growing dynamics of the root systems in a apricot and alfalfa sod_culture system were investigated．The results showed that the vertical distribution of the 4year old apricot root system could reached to the depth of 100 cm, and roots of some 46.5% distributed in the layer of 20～40 cm．The vertical distribution of the 2yearold alfalfa roots could reached to 50 cm depth， and the roots of 70% distributed in the layer of 0～20 cm. Those results suggested the root distribution of the two species did not. The horizontal distribution of the apricot root system could reached to 200 cm，and more than 90% roots distributed in the distance of 100～150 cm where management measures were always performed in both sod_culture or control ochard. In addition, two obvious growing peaks of new roots of ‘Jintaiyang' apricot tree were observed．One was from March to April and the other was from middle of June to early July. The growing peak of alfala roots appeared in middle of July. The period of the active growth for the two species did not meet together time. According to their growing characteristics ‘Jintaiyang' apricot trees should be fertilized in the early March and middle June．

Key words: apricot, alfalfa, sodculture, root system, spatial distribution characteristics, growing dynamics