The objective of this study was to evaluate the root and aerial growth of cultivars and hybrids of pearl millet in soil under four levels of soil compaction. Seven hybrids of pearl millet - Pennisetum glaucum L. (40425, 40853, 41312, 51499, 60018, 60019 and ADR7010) and ADR300 and ADR500 varieties were used. At 30 days after planting, the dry mass of shoots and roots, root length density and root mean diameter was determined. In the density of 1.74 Mg m-3 varieties and hybrids of pearl millet showed a high reduction of green matter, dry mass of shoots, plant height and leaf area. Hybrids 40853 and 60019 produced less than other hybrids and cultivars in the production of green and dry matter of shoots and plant height in the density of 1.65 Mg m-3. The ADR500 and ADR300 varieties and hybrids 40425 and 51499 excelled in the production of green and dry mass and plant height in the density of 1.65 kg m-3. The highest mean root length density among the cultivars of millet was found at a density of 1.46 Mg m-3. The millet crop showed potential for descompaction of soil.
soil density; root system; cover plants
