The Root-System Of Coffea Arabica Pt. I. Root -Systems In Typical Soils Of British East Africa

Abstract

THIS paper reports the results of an investigation of the root-system of coffee, carried out during 1932. It forms part of a pro gramme for the detailed investigation of the physiology and anatomy of the coffee tree, as laid down at the Amani Conference in 1931 [1]. Estates have been selected which represent the greater part of the areas under cultivated arabica coffee in Tanganyika, and at the same time show as wide a range of soil variation as possible. In addition, two areas in Kenya have been included for purposes of comparison. The data presented here are the results of field study only, and consequently the conclusions drawn from them must necessarily await experimental confirmation. In spite of this, it is thought advisable to publish this separate account of the field studies, since the subject has possible practical applications, and the necessary experimental work will be lengthy.