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Penetration of Wax Layers by Cotton Roots as Affected by Some Soil Physical Conditions
Author(s) -
Gardner H. R.,
Danielson R. E.
Publication year - 1964
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/sssaj1964.03615995002800040004x
Subject(s) - wax , penetration (warfare) , aeration , water content , soil water , chemistry , agronomy , soil science , materials science , environmental science , composite material , geology , geotechnical engineering , biology , mathematics , organic chemistry , operations research
The use of a wax layer for root penetration tests under controlled soil conditions has made it possible to separate from other factors in the soil the effect of mechanical impedance on the growth of plant roots. The penetration percentage of cotton roots increased as soil moisture tension was increased from 0.05 bar to 0.52 bar then decreased as tension was further increased to 10.8 bars. The penetration also decreased with increasing salt content in the soil solution. Decreased aeration as measured by CO 2 content also lowered the penetrating ability of cotton roots. An increase in bulk density of the soil from 1.0 g. per cc. to 1.4 g. per cc. did not affect the penetrating ability of cotton roots into the wax layer.