|
Soil compaction is the result of both chemical and physical stresses on the soil. These
stresses also have an adverse affect on the soil's microbiological functioning, and the combination of all of these factors can severely restrict plant growth.
Several interacting factors can contribute to soil chemical stress, including the natural
chemical make-up of the soil, use of high salt index fertilizers, broad spectrum fumigants
and low soil moisture. Sodium (and other chemical salts) can break down soil structure by displacement of calcium - one of the important, molecular "building blocks" of healthy soil aggregates. As microaggregates and macroaggregates break down, the soil structure can collapse - reducing pore spaces for air and water and reducing microbial activity. Broad spectrum fungicides can further reduce the level of microbiological activity.
Physical stress on the soil is caused by heavy equipment and tillage practices. Heavy
farming equipment crushes soil particles into small, compacted layers. This can also occur
below the soil surface at certain depths by tillage equipment. The results are very similar
to chemical compaction with the destruction of soil structure and harm to plant growth.
Compacted soil can also become anaerobic and soggy; or dry and crusted. In either case,
such conditions are harmful to plant growth.
The first line of defense is to rebalance the soil's chemistry. AMS products reduce the soil's sodium and total salt content; in turn promoting the re-formation of microaggregates. This process helps to loosen up the soil permitting an improved movement of air and water. Microogranisms respond to the air and water and are encouraged to function, which further contributes to the soil structure building process. Plant roots then gain better access to air,
water and nutrients with a resultant improvement in growth and yield.
Plant growth response is the best indicator of soil improvement, but we can also measure physical changes wihin the soil itself. A penetrometer will measure the force it takes to
penetrate the upper portions of the soil. Roots can't push through the soil if it takes a penetrating force greater than 300 pounds per square inch (psi). In many cases, within
6 weeks of AMS product application, the penetrometer is able to be pushed (like plant
roots) deeper into the soil before reaching the 300 psi limit.
Because the factors which contribute to soil compaction are always present, incorporation
of AMS products into your ongoing practices is recommended - to counteract these effects
and maintain the soil rebuilding process.
|
