Abstract
AbstractPacking energy required to increase bulk density in coarse‐textured soils is influenced by particle surface roughness, i.e., by interparticle friction. It was, therefore, hypothesized that particle surface roughness would influence soil resistance to movement of a cone penetrometer, because soil bulk density is increased in the zone surrounding the penetrometer tip during its advance. The cone index (C.I.) was calculated for all penetrometer measurements, and C.I. was compared in both disturbed and undisturbed coarse‐textured soil material, with each soil having a unique particle surface roughness as determined by the dense soil angle of repose measurement. For soil materials with similar particle size distributions and bulk densities, C.I. increased as particle surface roughness increased.The role of particle surface roughness in tillage pan formation and in root growth restriction is discussed. It is suggested that, due to poorer aeration during rainy periods and higher mechanical resistance during drier conditions, tillage pans formed in soil materials having smoother‐surfaced particles will be more restrictive to root growth compared to those pans formed in soil materials having rougher‐surfaced particles. Consequently, among soils having root‐restricting tillage pans, the greater enhancement of rooting depth due to subsoiling would likely occur on soils with smooth particles compared to soils with rough soil particles.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.