Effect of Regulated Deficit Irrigation and Potassium Fertilizer on Root Dynamics, Yield and Its Components in Different Cultivars of Forage Sorghum

To study the effects of irrigation water (50%, 75%, and 100% of plant water requirement) and potassium fertilizer (0, 50%, and 100% required potassium fertilizer based on soil test) on the dynamics of root, yield, and shoots of sorghum varieties (Pegah, Karaj, and Speedfeed), a research was conducted in the Agricultural Research Center of Semnan province (Shahrood) in 2014. This research was conducted in pots and in field experiment. The experimental variables were irrigation water, potassium fertilizer, and varieties of forage sorghum. The treatments were arranged as split plots based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. In the pot experiment, 243 plastic pots with diameter of 30 and height of 60 cm were used. Irrigation water was calculated with Penman-Monteith method. Drip irrigation was used as irrigation system. Sampling was carried out from the roots in three phases during the season. The root volume was determined by immersion in water method. Shoots parameters such as leaf area, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, and shoot weight were measured. The results showed that the effects of irrigation water, potassium fertilizer, and sorghum varieties were significant on the forage yield, root volume, and dry weight of roots and shoots of the plants. The highest yield was obtained from the W100K100 treatment (102.8 ton/ha). Pegha variety showed the maximum yield. The maximum water use efficiency was obtained from the W75K100 treatment (20.5 kg/m3/ha). The W75K100Vp treatment was introduced as a superior treatment. Potassium fertilizer could compensate the loss of yield. The mathematical equations expressing root volume and dry weight with time were determined during the season. The relationships between some parameters of the shoots and roots were determined.