EFFECTIVE SOIL VOLUME AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO ROOT AND TOP GROWTH OF PLANTS

Abstract

Root and top growth of clover, wheat, and sunflowers varied consistently and quantitatively with changing soil volumes.A definition for effective soil volume is given and discussed in terms of root growth and root densities. The postulate is made that in root systems above a certain density each individual root can interfere with the daily water supply of nearby roots and hence restrict the growth of the whole root system and plant. The theoretical geometric proportions of this interference are discussed. The importance of soil volume in experimental work is indicated.