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Some Effects of Soil Compaction on Root Growth and Water Use of Lettuce

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

M. K. V. Carr  and
Sara M. Dodds
M. K. V. Carr
Affiliation:
National College of Agricultural Engineering, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4DTEngland
Sara M. Dodds
Affiliation:
National College of Agricultural Engineering, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4DTEngland
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Summary

A technique for observing the effects of soil physical and other factors on root growth was evaluated, using glass tubes packed with soil. The number of root intersections observed on a grid at the interface between the soil and glass was correlated with the number of root ends counted within the soil core. Comparatively small differences in the dry bulk density of a structureless sandy loam (1.25 and 1.50 g cm−3) had much larger effects than differential watering treatments on the pattern of root growth of lettuces (Lactuca sativa). Loosening the soil to depth (with additional fertilizer) increased the availability of water, under both wet and dry conditions, and improved water use efficiency, primarily through effects on root activity.

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 19 , Issue 2 , April 1983 , pp. 117 - 130
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1983

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