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Root Growth in Cores Formed from Fragipan and B2 Horizons of Hobson Soil
Author(s) -
Blanchar R. W.,
Edmonds C. R.,
Bradford J. M.
Publication year - 1978
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/sssaj1978.03615995004200030012x
Subject(s) - loam , bulk density , penetration (warfare) , soil science , soil horizon , soil water , penetrometer , porosity , clay soil , moisture , chemistry , materials science , environmental science , composite material , mathematics , operations research
The effect of changes in acidity and bulk density of cores formed from B2 and fragipan horizons of a Hobson soil on probe penetration and pea root growth were evaluated. Increasing soil pH in the range of 4.2–6.5 had no measurable effect on probe resistance, but resulted in greater root length in both B2 and fragipan samples. Probe penetration resistance increased as bulk density was increased. The silty clay loam B2 horizon was more resistant to probe penetration than the sandy loam fragipan when compared at the same bulk density and moisture tension. Root length was more closely related to probe penetration resistance than to bulk density. Root growth in both B2 and fragipan soil decreased as probe resistance increased from 10 to 20 bars and essentially stopped in soil where probe penetration resistance exceeded 20 bars.