Compaction and penetration resistance of an Alfisol and Entisol and their influence on root growth of maize seedlings

Abstract

Traffic and tillage induced compaction affect soil physical, chemical and biological properties and processes directly and influences plant root growth indirectly. In a pot experiment with an Entisol and an Alfisol, the effect of 0, 50, 100 and 200 kPa of compactive stress on bulk density, penetration resistance, and on root growth of maize seedlings, at the early stages of development, was studied. Compaction resulted in a progressive increase in bulk density and penetration resistance for both soils. The Entisol reached a greater bulk density and penetration resistance than the Alfisol. Bulk density or penetration resistance were closely correlated with compactive stress. The correlation between bulk density and penetration resistance was not so close. Increased bulk density and penetration resistance resulted in a reduction of all the root growth parameters such as number of roots, mean and total root length, rateof root elongation and fresh and dry root mass. Significant linear or curvilinear relationships were found between bulk density or penetration resistance and most of the root growth parameters studied. However, the relationships were improved when relative values (expressed as fractions of the controls) of bulk density or penetration resistance and of any one of the root growth parameters were considered. Roots grown in more compact soil had a smaller ratio of fresh to dry mass.