WATER-UPTAKE BY MAIZE (ZEA-MAYS L) ROOT-SYSTEM

Water uptake by maize (Zea mays L., hybrid CE 330) root system was measured using method of field compensation lysimetry, repeatedly, during four vegetation periods. The growth characteristics of shoot and roots were determined using destructive method in plants growing parallels in separate containers. Average water uptake of individual plant during vegetation was established 33,9 +/- 6,4 1 and transpiration coefficient 103,5 +/- 9,9 1 of water per kg dry matter. The dynamics of water uptake positively correlated with changes in actual leaf area, while with changes of root system surface only during vegetative phase of plant development. The maintenance of equilibrium between shoot water demand and absorption capacity of root system depends on rate of water intake and shoot:roots surface ratio.