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Subsoil Conditions and Their Effects on Oxygen Supply and the Growth of Corn Roots¹

ABSTRACT

The effects of subsoil density, fertility, and moisture content on soil aeration and root growth are reported. A factorial experiment having two levels each of subsoil compaction, fertility, and moisture was conducted.

Oxygen diffusion rates in the subsoil were studied by two methods. Oxidation-reduction potentials were determined.

Corn roots did not penetrate a subsoil compacted to a bulk density of 1.5 g. per cc., but they grew profusely in subsoil with a bulk density of 1.2 g. per cc.

Quantitative information was obtained on the rates of oxygen diffusion in the subsoil. Oxygen diffusion was slower in dense subsoils than in loose subsoils. High moisture content intensified the restricting effects of dense subsoils on oxygen diffusion rates and root growth. Subsoil fertilization increased corn root growth in loose soils.

Plant growth was not correlated with oxidation-reduction potentials within the limits found, but was correlated with gaseous diffusion through the subsoil.

Oxygen diffusion rates which limit root growth are suggested.

¹ Journal Paper No. 952, Purdue University Agr. Exp. Sta., Lafayette, Ind. Contribution from the Agronomy Department. The work reported in this paper is in partial fulfillment for the Ph.D. degree.

² Assistant Professor of Soils (formerly Instructor, Department of Agronomy) and Associate Professor of Soils, respectively.

Received for publication February 17, 1956. Accepted for publication May 28, 1956.