011 Soil porosity and root growth

1
011 SOIL POROSITY AND ROOT GROWTH
Compact soils do not support proper root growth
of saplings. Hence garden soils should be soft
and not compact to permit plant growth
MATERIALS REQUIRED
3 glass or plastic tubes about 3 to 5 cm diameter
and 10 to 15 cm long Good moist garden soil
(preferably loamy) An wooded peg to compress soil
wooded peg
glass tubes
2
Transfer soil into all the three tubes. Tube A,
fill soil as in flower pot. Tube B, press soil
with your fingers and thumb as you fill
(moderate compaction) Tube C, use the wooden peg
to compact the soil as you fill (heavy
compaction) Plant a seed/sapling in each Water
lightly each day and observe
3
Leaves
Roots
moderate compaction
heavy compaction
no compaction
4
Observe the growth of plant in the 3 tubes Look
for the roots and leaves Discuss the different
patterns What are your observations? What are
your conclusions? What is the importance of soil
organisms in loosening the soil? What happens
when heavy machines run on the soil?