Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Differences in soil strength and pore configuration between natural structure soil and compacted structure soil composed of volcanic ash soil and brown forest soil were compared, and their effects on the elongation of grass roots were examined. It was found that the soil strength and pore configuration of natural and compacted soils differed despite equal bulk density. Soil strength of natural soil was greater than that of compacted soil because the structure of natural soil was stable. On the other hand, compacted soil had continuous pores. Root growth in these soils of different structures was not hampered by soil containing continuous pores, even when soil strength was great; but it was hindered in soil with discontinuous pores. The propotion of coarse pores increased in compacted soil when grass was grown. From our results, it was surmised that root elongation is more influenced by pore formation than by bulk density and pore volume in culture beds. In natural soil, the formation of soil pores influences root elongation directly, and in disturbed and compacted soil, roots change the soil pore configuration.
Citation
Sugiura, T and Kobatashi, H, "Relationship Between Soil Physics and Grass Roots Elongation" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 35.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses3/35)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Relationship Between Soil Physics and Grass Roots Elongation
Kyoto Japan
Differences in soil strength and pore configuration between natural structure soil and compacted structure soil composed of volcanic ash soil and brown forest soil were compared, and their effects on the elongation of grass roots were examined. It was found that the soil strength and pore configuration of natural and compacted soils differed despite equal bulk density. Soil strength of natural soil was greater than that of compacted soil because the structure of natural soil was stable. On the other hand, compacted soil had continuous pores. Root growth in these soils of different structures was not hampered by soil containing continuous pores, even when soil strength was great; but it was hindered in soil with discontinuous pores. The propotion of coarse pores increased in compacted soil when grass was grown. From our results, it was surmised that root elongation is more influenced by pore formation than by bulk density and pore volume in culture beds. In natural soil, the formation of soil pores influences root elongation directly, and in disturbed and compacted soil, roots change the soil pore configuration.
