Simulating root system development of short-duration pigeonpea

Length and weight of pigeonpea roots were measured weekly in different soil layers and compared with estimates obtained from a root simulation model using daily climatic data, soil physico-chemical properties and dry matter allocation to roots. Daily moisture content and temperature at different soil depths were well simulated using sub-routines from the CERES-Maize model. Daily allocation of dry matter to roots was calculated from logistic functions fitted to the growth data for shoots and roots. Although root length and weight tended to be underestimated by the model, regressions between measured and simulated root growth were highly significant so that the model could, with a few modifications, be used to predict root system development.