Reorganisation of rhizosphere soil pore structure by wild plant species in compacted soils.

ABSTRACT: Soil compaction represents a major impediment to plant growth, yet wild plants are often observed thriving in soil of high bulk density in non-agricultural settings. We analysed the root growth of three non-cultivated species often found growing in compacted soils in the natural environment. Plants of ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) were grown for 28 d in a sandy loam soil compacted to 1.8 g cm-3 with a penetration resistance of 1.55 MPa. X-Ray computed tomography was used to observe root architecture in situ and to visualise changes in rhizosphere porosity (at a resolution of 35 μm) at 14 d and 28 d after sowing. Porosity of the soil was analysed within four incremental zones up to 420 μm from the root surface.

SUBMITTER: Burr-Hersey JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7541912 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature