Open AccessA Review of the Effects of Soil Compaction and Amelioration Treatments on Landscape Trees
Author(s) -
Susan D. Day,
Nina L. Bassuk
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
arboriculture and urban forestry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 2155-0778
pISSN - 1935-5297
DOI - 10.48044/jauf.1994.003
Subject(s) - penetrometer , soil compaction , environmental science , compaction , infiltration (hvac) , bulk density , aeration , soil science , agroforestry , soil water , geography , geotechnical engineering , geology , ecology , biology , meteorology
Compacted soil is a frequently encountered problem on urban and community landscape sites. Numerous site amelioration methods and planting techniques have been employed to counteract the harmful effects of soil compaction on plant establishment and growth. Recent research aimed at examining the effectiveness of these techniques has given mixed results. It is evident that compaction restricts woody plant growth, but the nature and causes of the restriction are not completely understood. This is partly a result of the difficulty in separating the effects of interrelated factors such as physical impedance to roots, soil gas exchange, water infiltration and drainage. Consequently, it is difficult to prescribe with confidence techniques to improve compacted soil conditions for landscape trees. A review of our current understanding of soil compaction and its amelioration is presented here from the perspective of woody plant establishment. Index words: bulk density, penetrometer, soil aeration, urban horticulture.