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Use of Wax Substrates in Root Penetration Studies
Author(s) -
Taylor Howard M.,
Gardner Herbert R.
Publication year - 1960
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1960.03615995002400020004x
Subject(s) - wax , penetration (warfare) , compaction , bulk density , soil water , moisture , plant root , plant growth , nutrient , environmental science , water content , materials science , botany , soil science , chemistry , geotechnical engineering , composite material , geology , biology , mathematics , organic chemistry , operations research
Basic information on root penetration into pressure pans is essential in soil compaction studies. The ability of plant roots to penetrate compacted zones may determine moisture effectiveness and nutrient availability on these pressure‐pan soils. The use of wax substrates for simulated plastic pans is discussed and evaluated. Physical characteristics of a number of commercially available waxes are presented. In plant growth‐chamber experiments using wax substrates, the ability of plant roots to penetrate depended upon the wax rigidity, the type of plant, and the density of the soil above the substrate.