The knowledge of the distribution of roots in bananas generates information that guide the location of water and fertilizers, resulting an increase in crop yield in banana plantations. The 'Prata Anã' banana root distribution system, in loam clay sandy Yellow Latosol, before harvest of the second cycle, was evaluated in two urea fertirrigation frequencies (400 kg of N/ha/year) every 3 days (F1) and 15 days (F2). Root samples were collected in different distances and depths with a metallic tube, separated from the soil and quantified using the GSRoot software. Higher urea fertirrigation frequency (3 days) favored root density, in relation to the 15 days frequency. The amount of roots in the superficial layers (up to 0.30 m) was greater, decreasing with the depth, as well as for the plant in the direction of the micro sprinkler, and less in the opposite direction. Roots of diameter between 0.2 to >1.5 mm prevailed in the superficial layers and beside the plant in the direction of the micro sprinkler.
Musa spp.; nitrogen; micro sprinkler direction; depth
