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Changes in the aggregate stability of a sandy loam effected by growing roots of perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne )
Author(s) -
Reid Jeffrey B.,
Goss Michael J.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2740310320
Subject(s) - lolium perenne , perennial plant , loam , agronomy , aggregate (composite) , chemistry , biology , environmental science , soil water , soil science , materials science , composite material
The effect on aggregate stability of the activities of roots of perennial ryegrass and their associated microflora was investigated using a structurally unstable sandy loam. Growth of ryegrass for only 4 weeks caused a significant increase in aggregate stability as measured by turbidimetric and wet sieving analyses. This effect was most strongly associated with the larger aggregates. Release of organic substances from the roots was the most likely cause of this increase.