Question:
how does soil compression affect plant growth?
Replies:
Compaction reduces or eliminates air space in the soil, which is needed for
water movement, and roots need to have some air around them, a book on
gardening or forest/plant ecology will tell you much more.
J. Elliott
All living cells need a source of oxygen and water, and nutrients, minerals,
etc.
When there are no air spaces around plant roots, they can't get oxygen.
Also, air spaces in soil take excess water away from the plant. If the soil
is compressed too much, roots can rot from excess water as well. It depends
on the type of soil and how well it holds water.
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