Review: The effects of soil compaction on root penetration, pasture growth and persistence

Abstract

A review of the literature shows that soil compaction by stock treading has been an issue for New Zealand farmers for over half a century. Soil compaction restricts root penetration resulting in poor anchorage and susceptibility of plants to uprooting during grazing. In addition, access to moisture and soil nutrients is reduced which decreases the fitness of the sward under stress conditions. Mechanical treatment of compacted soil improves soil physical properties but beneficial effects on pasture growth have been less readily demonstrated. Options to reduce the impact of soil compaction on pasture persistency include better soil management to reduce the incidence and severity of compaction and, in the longer term, new grasses with root and shoot traits that mitigate the effects of compaction. Keywords: roots, ryegrass, soil compaction, soil moisture, soil nutrients, trampling