Response of maize root growth to irrigation and nitrogen management strategies in semi-arid loamy sandy soil

Abstract Strategies to promote dense, deep root systems are important for the efficient use of water and nitrogen fertilisers in subtropical loamy sandy soil. This study assessed the effect of interactions between irrigation method (drip and furrow), irrigation level (full and reduced), and nitrogen fertiliser type (quick-release and slow-release) on root growth of maize ( Zea mays L.) and the associated effect on grain yield, aboveground biomass and leaf area index. Factorial field experiments on semi-arid loamy sandy soil in Mozambique was carried out in four cropping periods (two in the hot-wet season, two in the cold-dry season). The response to the management factors at three growing stages of coarse (≥0.7 mm diameter) and fine (