Open AccessTerravent™: Soil Fracture Patterns and Impact on Bulk Density
Author(s) -
E. Thomas Smiley
Publication year - 2001
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.2001.036
Subject(s) - bulk density , compaction , soil compaction , soil science , fracture (geology) , environmental science , limiting , geology , soil water , geotechnical engineering , mechanical engineering , engineering
Soil compaction is reported to be a limiting factor in many urban tree plantings. The Terravent™ was developed to decompact and aerate soil through the soil injection of high-pressure nitrogen gas. The purpose of this project was to determine the soil fracture patterns created by the Terravent and to determine if soil bulk density is reduced. Replicates of six fractures were made at three sites. Bulk density and the degree of fracturing were measured. No significant differences in soil bulk density were found between treated and nontreated areas. Fracture patterns were generally horizontal to convex shaped with a mean width up to 22.2 in. (56 cm), typically 9 in. (23 cm) below the soil surface. Other means of alleviating soil compaction are thought to be more effective.