Abstract

ABSTRACT

RUARK, G.A., D.L. MADER, and T.A. TATTAR. 1983. The influence of soil moisture and temperature on the root growth and vigor of trees—a literature review. Part II. Arboric. J. 7: 39-51.

In the previous issue, the dramatic effects of soil compaction and aeration interactions on tree vigor and root growth were examined. The picture of the physical soil environment, however, is not complete without an examination of soil moisture and temperature. It is difficult to separate logically the effects of these four components. When viewing the soil system, a feeling for all of these properties is helpful in order to weigh properly the distribution of each input to the vigor symptoms being manifested by a tree. Current knowledge of urban soils is very limited. Physical soil conditions in the urban environment often adversely affect soil aeration and moisture relations as well as soil structure and, consequently, cause a decrease in the growth rate and vigor of trees. More research is needed on the soil conditions that actually exist in the urban environment. A careful examination of urban soils in light of our knowledge of both forest and agricultural soils is required to better define these soils, and then to determine problems that woody plants must tolerate in order to grow in them if trees are to be effectively managed in the urban environment.