Fertigation levels and intercrops h

Fertigation levels and intercrops had significant impact on root system of maize. Root spread and root dry mass were increased under drip fertigation practices while rooting depth was more under surface irrigation. Drip fertigation with water soluble fertilizer improved the root system by inducing new secondary roots which are suc- culent and actively involved in physiological responses. Drip fertigation has pronounced effect on the root archi- tecture especially in the production of highly fibrous root system. Fertigation promotes the production of intensely branched roots that facilitates nutrient acquisition and foraging capacity. On the other hand, conventional method of irrigation and fertilizer application has exhibited lim- ited root spread in the rhizosphere. Regarding intercrop- ping system, maize + vegetable coriander recorded high- er root characters.