Changes in Soil CO2 efflux rate at different growth stages in baramasi, regular and biennial bearing mango

Abstract

A study on changes in soil CO2 efflux (soil respiration) at different growth stages in Baramasi, regular and biennial bearing mango was carried out at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India during 2012-13 and 2013-14. The results revealed that the maximum soil respiration rate and soil temperature were found significantly in the rooting zone of cultivar Alphonso whereas the minimum soil respiration rate and soil temperature were observed in the periphery of cultivar Baramasi. At pre flowering stage soil respiration and soil temperature were low as compared to flowering stage and post flowering stages in all the cultivars. The maximum soil RH was significantly found in the periphery of cultivar Baramasi whereas the minimum soil RH was recorded under cultivar Alphonso, the highest soil RH was recorded during pre flowering thereafter post flowering stage however the lowest soil RH was observed at flowering stage in all the cultivars. Changes in soil CO2 efflux, soil temperature and soil relative humidity has been attributed to lower solar flux rates, which could affect photosynthesis rates and also root respiration and ultimately the overall growth and development of mango.