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Some Characteristics of Plinthite Inhibiting Plant Growth 1
Author(s) -
Perkins H. F.,
Kaihulla Egbert
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1981.00021962007300040024x
Subject(s) - sorghum , loam , agronomy , bulk density , environmental science , soil horizon , soil science , soil water , chemistry , mineralogy , biology
Plant roots do not readily penetrate soil horizons containing plinthite. This study was conducted to determine some chemical and physical characteristics of plinthite which appear inhibitory to normal plant growth. Field and laboratory studies indicate that bulk density of plinthite is higher than non‐plinthic material surrounding nodular plinthite bodies. Bulk density of non‐plinthic material associated with nodular plinthite bodies is comparable to soil without plinthite. Samples from the Ap, B22tpl, and C horizons of a Tifton soil (fine‐loamy, silicious, thermic family of Plinthic Paleudults) were collected and placed in containers to simulate field arrangement of soil horizons and a test crop of grain sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L.) was grown under different treatments of CaCO 3 and CaSO 4 . Aluminum toxicity was overcome by adding CaCO 3 . Soluble Al was reduced by CaCO 3 but not by CaSO 4 . The addition of CaSO 4 had less effect on yield, Ca uptake, and suppression of Al uptake by sorghum plants than CaCO 8 . There was no major root growth in the plinthic layer except when soluble Al was removed by CaCO 3 addition.