Experimental dataset on root impact density in sugarcane legume intercropping and weed-covered systems in a plant crop in Reunion Island

Understanding the belowground interaction in multi-species intercropping agrosytems is critical to improve the sustainability of agriculture. This study aims to assess the sugarcane root growth and distribution in intercropping with legume and weeds in the inter-row. Root growth was studied in weed-free sugarcane, sugarcane legume intercropping and sugarcane with weeds in the inter-row. Root intersects were measured at 3.5, 6, 8 and 11 months old in a plant crop in two vertical trenches per age and treatment (1.5 m width x 1.2 m depth) in 5x5 cm2 squares. Root front was defined in each trench as the deepest soil layer including roots. Aboveground biomass was also measured at the same dates by harvesting 3 row of 3 m of sugarcane above each trench.