Abstract

The effect of liming and deep cultivation on soil properties and root development was investigated in two cultivated shallow fen pears resting on acid gyttja (lake mud) soils. Root growth was in general dependent on soil pH and aluminium content of the soil. A soil pH (H2O) below 5 adversely affected roots and a pH below 4 severely restricted root growth. Liming of the topsoil or the subsoil and to some extent deep cultivation improved root growth. Increased rooting depth made it possible for plants to utilize soil water to a greater depth in the profile and to support a larger crop yield.

Keywords

organic soils; gyttja; deep ploughing; liming; soil properties; roots; Sweden

Published in

Soil Use and Management
1996, volume: 12, number: 4, pages: 176-180
Publisher: C A B INTERNATIONAL

Authors' information