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Root Growth Through Porous Media Under Controlled Conditions II. Effect of Aeration Levels and Rigidity
Author(s) -
Aubertin G. M.,
Kardos L. T.
Publication year - 1965
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/sssaj1965.03615995002900040007x
Subject(s) - aeration , oxygen , chemistry , rigidity (electromagnetism) , limiting oxygen concentration , volume (thermodynamics) , horticulture , agronomy , zoology , biology , materials science , physics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , composite material
The effect of four different compositions of aeration gases on the root growth of maize seedlings ( Zea mays ) grown in rigid and nonrigid systems of a given pore diameter was evaluated. Best root growth of maize seedlings occurred where the aerating gas contained 10% oxygen rather than 21%. Root growth at 5% oxygen and 21% oxygen were similar but at 2.5% oxygen root growth was markedly decreased. Adverse effects of the lowest oxygen concentration were magnified when the pore system was rigid. A comparison of various root parameters indicated that root volume, root length, and root weight were all significant indexes of root response to oxygen levels and rigidity. Differences in root weight appeared to reside in differences in weight per unit length rather than in weight per unit volume.