Effects of mucilage concentration at different water contents on mechanical stability and elasticity in a loamy and a sandy soil

Mucilage released by plant roots affects hydrological and mechanical properties of the rhizosphere. The aim this study was to disentangle effects factors mucilage soil moisture on a range parameters in sand loam. Both substrates were homogenised filled into cylinders at bulk densities (ρb) 1.26 1.47 g cm−3 for loam sand, respectively. Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) concentrations 0, 0.02, 0.2 2 dry kg−1 tested four different gravimetric water contents (θg = 0.34, 0.19, 0.14 0.09 g−1) three 0.20, 0.06 0.04 g−1). To quantify influence content effect properties, two sets samples prepared, one micro penetrometer test, other measure properties. Penetration tests performed 120 mm h−1 using universal testing machine with high-precision sensor equipped conus resembling root. Mechanical energies determined calculating area time–force curves. energy required root grow permanent wilting point decreased from 0.31 J control 0.26 treatment, whereas it increased 0.05 0.08 highest content. Pre-compression stress (σpc), compression index (Cc), swelling (Cs) elasticity confined uniaxial test. σpc addition both response compressibility specific substrate Here had stronger impact sand—the lower initial elasticity. We conclude that subsequently growth depends combined Highlights concentration examined. point. Higher sand. Effect interaction between moisture.