Open AccessUsing Organic Amendments to Decrease Bulk Density and Increase Macroporosity in Compacted Soils
Author(s) -
Angela Rivenshield,
Nina L. Bassuk
Publication year - 2007
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.2007.015
Subject(s) - loam , bulk density , soil water , compost , compaction , environmental science , peat , organic matter , sphagnum , soil science , proctor compaction test , agronomy , soil compaction , chemistry , geology , ecology , geotechnical engineering , biology , organic chemistry
Samples of compacted sandy loam and clay loam soil were amended with organic matter: sphagnum peat or food waste compost. Amendments were incorporated into the soil samples at 0%, 10%, 33%, 50%, and 75% on a volume-to-volume basis. Changes in bulk density and macroporosity resulting from amendation were measured. In every permutation but one, macroporosity increased and bulk density decreased to below root-restricting thresholds. These results held true for the half of the samples that were manually recompacted. Differences between the amendments were not significant. Amendation with sufficient amounts of sphagnum peat or food waste compost alleviates compaction, creating an environment more conducive for root growth.