Soil Compaction Effects on Oxygen Diffusion Rates and Plant Growth

Authors

R. W. Rickman
J. Letey
L. H. Stolzy

Authors Affiliations

R. W. Rickman is a graduate student, Department of Soils and Plant Nutrition, University of California, Riverside; J. Letey is Associate Professor of Soil Physics, Department of Soils and Plant Nutrition, University of California, Riverside; L. H. Stolzy is Associate Soil Physicist, Department of Soils and Plant Nutrition, University of California, Riverside.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 19(3):4-6. DOI:10.3733/ca.v019n03p4. March 1965.

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Abstract

Aeration conditions, as measured by the platinum microelectrode technique, were less favorable in compacted soil layers than conditions known to limit root growth in noncompacted soil. However, reduced root penetration and top growth of tomatoes grown above these compacted layers could not be blamed upon either the high physical resistance to root penetration or poor aeration, individually, because both factors were simultaneously present in the compacted soil layers.