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Soil physical conditions affecting seedling root growth

I. Mechanical impedance, aeration and moisture availability as influenced by bulk density and moisture levels in a sandy loam soil

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Summary

The role of mechanical impedance, poor aeration and water availability in restricting pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedling root growth in sandy loam soil at three bulk densities and six matric potentials was studied. Mechanical impedance increased both with bulk density and —matric potential. In certain treatments the roots were shorter and thicker as impedance increased but in others shorter, thicker roots were found as impedance decreased and this was attributed to poor aeration. An aeration deficiency index was defined to separate the impedance and aeration effects when the two acted in combination. An aeration effect was found in soils having less than 30, 22, and 11 per cent gas-filled pore space at low, medium and high bulk densities respectively and the distribution and area of the gas/liquid interface probably influenced diffusion resistance. Effects due to restricted water availability were found only at potentials greater than –3.5 bars, the roots being shorter and thinner as moisture stress increased.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. OAS Horticulturist, Ministry of Agriculture, Barbados

    B. W. Eavis

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  1. B. W. Eavis
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Eavis, B.W. Soil physical conditions affecting seedling root growth. Plant Soil 36, 613–622 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01373511

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01373511

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