Restriction lift date: 2023-10-31
Examining the effects of soil compaction on plant growth and root systems architecture through the development of a simple, lab-based rhizotron system
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Date
2022-08-26
Authors
Kampff, Zoe
Journal Title
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Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Soil compaction concerns have grown as both annual precipitation and machinery weights have increased in many parts of the world. Compact soil is created by the physical degradation of the soil structure by external factors. The negative results of soil compaction have a wide effect across the agricultural sector with serious economic and environmental consequences. Soil compaction is a looming threat to crop productivity exacerbated by intensive agricultural practices worldwide. Increased weight of farming equipment, intensive grazing systems, and a changing climate further increase concerns about soil compaction. Numerous studies conclude that soil compaction can impede root development and alter the root system architecture (RSA) which can impact plant growth and negatively affect yields in a variety of plant species. Other soil compaction concerns include increased flooding, increased run-off, and its contribution to climate change through impacting on greenhouse gas emissions. With research trends suggesting an increased focus on crop productivity, tolerance, and sustainable approaches to keep up with global demands, it seems appropriate and important to include compaction studies.
This study focused on the effects of soil compaction on plant growth and root systems of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and oilseed rape (Brassicaceae napus). Rhizotron experiments examined plant growth in soil with and without induced levels of soil compaction. Soil bulk densities of 0.9, 1.1, and 1.3 g/cm3 were achieved in soil- filled, lab-based rhizotron experiments for both plant species. At final harvest, plant parameter measurements and in situ root images suggest that soil compaction has a negative effect on plant growth and the RSA of the plants examined. Increasing soil bulk density significantly decreased above-ground plant height (p = 0.05) and mean shoot dry weights (p = 0.03) as well as affecting total root lengths of oilseed rape. This study provides evidence that above and below-ground plant traits could effectively be examined within an inexpensive rhizotron system. Although the rhizotron system explored had limitations (root system length is limited to rhizotron size; a soil bulk density greater than 1.3 g/cm3 could not be achieved) the study demonstrates a low-cost highly reproducible experimental design that provides an opportunity to expand these methods for a variety of plant species.
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Keywords
Soil compaction , Plant growth , Root systems architecture , Plant stress , Rhizotrons
Citation
Kampff, Z. A. 2022. Examining the effects of soil compaction on plant growth and root systems architecture through the development of a simple, lab-based rhizotron system. MRes Thesis, University College Cork.