Root distribution of orchard trees

Abstract

A survey of root distribution of peach and pear trees has been made in shallow, medium, and deep soils in Goulburn Valley orchards. Root patterns were similar in both species, and shallow (less than 36 in.) in all soils. A further survey in soil management trials showed that the influence of soil management treatments was on roots in the surface soil. Roots grew as close to the actual ground surface as was allowed by such factors as cultivation depth, competition, and soil temperature.