Summary
The axial force required for penetration of soil aggregates by roots of pea (Pisum sativum cv. Greenfeast), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum cv. Sicot 3) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus cv. Hysun) seedlings was measured. Effects of aggregate size and strength on root penetration behaviour were investigated. Maximum axial root growth pressure (P x ) was estimated from the maximum axial root growth force (F max) and mean root diameter.
F max, time (T max) to attainF max, andP x all increased with increase in size and strength of aggregates. A significant interactive effect of size and strength of aggregate on root diameter was observed.F max,T max and root diameter were significantly different for different plant species.
Maximum penetrometer pressure (P′) was compared with the axial pressures generated during root penetration. The penetrometer probe was found to overestimate the root growth pressure by a factor of 1.8 to 3.8.P x /P′ decreased with increase in size and strength of aggregates.
A theory was developed to estimate radial and tangential stresses adjacent to the soil-root interface assuming cylindrical deformation by the root in aggregates of finite size. The stresses were calculated using shear cohesion values, estimated from tensile strength measurements, and with an assumed value of soil internal friction. Radial and tangential stresses adjacent to the root axis increased with increase in dimensionless aggregate radius and aggregate strength. Tensile stress adjacent to the root axis is predicted to result in plastic failure of finite sized aggregates during root penetration.
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Misra, R.K., Dexter, A.R. & Alston, A.M. Penetration of soil aggregates of finite size. Plant Soil 94, 59–85 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02380590
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02380590