The Effect of Soil Strength on the Growth of Young Wheat Plants

Abstract

Wheat seedlings were grown in soil of various strengths, obtained by changing the bulk density or the water content of the soil. Leaf expansion and transpiration rate were monitored from emergence until the main stem had 5-7 leaves. Leaf area, and shoot and root dry weights, were negatively correlated with soil strength as measured by penetrometer resistance. The growth of roots was less affected than that of shoots. Leaf expansion was reduced before the first leaf was fully expanded. Relative rates of leaf expansion thereafter were consistently lower at high soil strength, although not always significantly. High soil strength also produced substantially smaller stomatal conductances. All effects were the same whether variations of soil strength were brought about by changes in water content or in bulk density. Three possible causes of reduced shoot growth were examined: (1) a limiting supply of nutrients; or (2) of water, because of a restricted root system; or (3) a reduced carbon supply because of a higher carbon demand from the roots, or because of the low stomatal conductance. We conclude that these are all unlikely explanations for the onset of the effects of soil strength, which were independent of soil phosphorus content, of leaf water potential, and of the amount of carbon reserves in the seed. We suggest that growth of the shoot is primarily reduced in response to some hormonal message induced in the roots when they experience high soil strength.