N.M. College of Agriculture, Navsari, Gujarat, 396 450
*Present address: Directorate of Research, Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra, 415 712
The influence of roots of carrot on bulk density, penetration resistance, soil wetness and hydraulic conductivity of a clay soil (Vertisol) was evaluated in a field study. Bulk density, penetration resistance and wetness of surface soil near and between the rows of plants decreased with the advancement in growth. However, the hydraulic conductivity of the soil did not change significantly. Laboratory studies showed inverse relationship between volumetric soil moisture content and penetration resistance but no definite relationship between penetration resistance and hydraulic conductivity.
Bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, penetration resistance, Vertisol, radial and axial pressure of roots
