Root Distribution of ‘Climax’ Rabbiteye Blueberry as Affected by Mulch and Irrigation Geometry

Abstract

We studied the horizontal and vertical root distribution of 3-year-old ‘Climax’ rabbiteye blueberry ( Vaccinium ashei Reade) in a sandy loam soil. Root density decreased logarithmically in the horizontal direction from the crown and linearly with depth. Ninety percent of the roots were within 0 to 0.38 m from the crown and 0 to 0.45 m depth. Roots spread more within the rows than across rows. Sawdust mulch increased the radial spread of roots, but did not promote rooting in the top 0.15 m of soil. Compared to one or two drip emitters per plants, low-volume spray emitters increased radial spread of roots, but only in combination with mulching. Greatest vertical rooting occurred with a single emitter at the base of the plant without mulch. Emitters placed 0.46 m from the crown of the plant did not help the spread of roots towards these emitters.