Towards soil compaction limits for crop growth.

Weed Responses to Soil Compaction and Crop Management

Soil compaction first affects physical properties, as compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space between them and increasing the soil bulk density (Lipiec & Hatano, 2003; Raper, 2005; Reintam, 2006; Reintam et al., 2009). Soil compaction also influences chemical and biological processes, such as decreasing organic carbon (C) and N mineralization, the concent...

Effect of soil compaction on root growth and crop yield in Central and Eastern Europe

response to soil compaction associated with soil and crop type, and soil wetness at the time of load application and weather in Central and Eastern Europe are reviewed. The effects of soil compaction on the morphological and anatomical modifications of the roots were shown. The influence of soil compaction on plasticity in root growth and functioning in relation to structural discontinuity is d...

Soil Compaction

Soil Compaction: Effects and Amelioration

Soil compaction was identified as the cause of ‘growth stunting disease’ in sultana grapes and ‘red death’ in cotton at the Lower Orange River and Vaalharts irrigation schemes. In an experiment growth stunting disease was eradicated completely and yields of sultanas increased substantially by deep cultivation, which eliminated compacted soil layers. Ripping increased the quality of tobacco, and...

Physical effects of soil drying on roots and crop growth.

The nature and effect of the stresses on root growth in crops subject to drying is reviewed. Drought is a complex stress, impacting on plant growth in a number of interacting ways. In response, there are a number of ways in which the growing plant is able to adapt to or alleviate these stresses. It is suggested that the most significant opportunity for progress in overcoming drought stress and ...