Summary
The effect of gravel concentration, size of gravel and inter-gravel texture on root growth and development of maize seedlings was investigated in a greenhouse study. The adverse effect of naturally compacted gravel horizon of an alfisol on maize root growth was also studied in a field experiment. Gravel concentration of above 10 to 20 per cent by weight significantly reduced rate of root elongation and produced symptoms typical of mechanical impedance. The inhibitory effect of gravels was more pronounced for small rather than large gravels and for coarse rather than fine inter-gravel texture. The natural gravel horizon of an alfisol definitely inhibited rate of root elongation, total root volume, number of roots and depth of root penetration. re]19750916
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Babalola, O., Lal, R. Subsoil gravel horizon and maize root growth. Plant Soil 46, 347–357 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00010091
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00010091