How Does Soil Structure Effect Plant Growth? (3 Part Series... Part #3)

How Does Soil Structure Effect Plant Growth? (3 Part Series... Part #3)

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

Many facets affect soil temperature. Everything from color (heat absorption, soil content), the plant canopy, soil moisture and many other aspects influence soil temperature (Barbarick 58-59). Most importantly soil temperature and moisture work together to provide a suitable growing environment. "Soil temperature has a profound influence on seed germination, root and shoot growth, nutrient uptake and crop growth (Soil, Plant Relationships).



Understanding these characteristics of how compaction, water capacity and soil temperature interact is vital. Different plants vary with their requirements in all three of these areas. Without this knowledge our society would be hard pressed to meet the needs(crops, flowers, medicinal plants, etc) of our people. Further more we would not understand how to stabilize the environment from the destructive acts we cause as humans.



This knowledge extends to your lawn and garden in understanding the requirements and timing needed to provide you with A Better Garden.




Works Cited



Barbarick, K.A.. Lecture Notes for Introductory Soil Science. Boston: Pearson, 2000.



Soil, Plant Relationships. Agricultural Resource Center. 12 Nov. 2002. http://www.indiaagronet.com/indiaagronet/soil_management/contents/soil%20plant.htm

How Does Soil Structure Effect Plant Growth? (3 Part Series... Part #2)

How Does Soil Structure Effect Plant Growth? (3 Part Series... Part #2)

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

Soil Compaction can be cause by many sources. Farming equipment, such as trucks and tractors, can lead to fragipan. Earth moving equipment can also cause compaction. Pastures can even be compacted by animals when field are wet (McMahon 147). That means even lawn mowers and people can cause compaction in their own lawn & garden. Especially when the soil is wet. These compacted soils have a higher Bulk Density. As the Bulk Density goes up, the pore space goes down.



Pore space is a needed part in the growth of any plant; grass, roses, corn, tomatoes, flowers. Remember, Field Capacity is the point where there is an equal amount or distribution of water and air in the soil profile. Plants need both air and water to survive. Compacted soils do not allow water, air or roots to penetrate easily. Water, air and roots are necessary for a healthy enviroment to grow plants and sustain the ecosystem for other organisms (Utah.gov).



Works Cited



McMahon, Margaret, Anton Kofranek, Vincent Rubatxky. Hartmann’s Plant Science: Growth, Development, and Utiliazation of Cultivated Plants. Upper Saddle River. Prentice Hall, 2002.



Utah.gov. Utah Department of Natural Resources. 12 Nov. 2002





Part #3 will be on Soil Temperature

How Does Soil Structure Effect Plant Growth? (3 Part Series... Part #1)

How Does Soil Structure Effect Plant Growth? (3 Part Series... Part #1)

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

Water Capacity

As long as water can infiltrate the soil, we find that there is an optimal range (between field capacity and permanent wilting point) for specific plants to grow. Field capacity (-33 kPa) is where there is a 50/50 distribution of air and water in the pore space. Permanent Wilting Point (-1500 kPa) is where there is no available water to plants (Barbarick 77). It is important to understand this range because without this knowledge people would not be able to keep plants at peak performance. Soil Organic Matter is by far the most important water holding media. It can hold up to 90% of its weight, most of which is available for plant uptake. On the other end of the spectrum, clay has a high water capacity but most of this water is unavailable to plants (Funderburg).




Works Cited



Barbarick, K.A.. Lecture Notes for Introductory Soil Science. Boston: Pearson, 2000.



Funderburg, Eddie. What Does Organic Matter Do In Soil? Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation 12 Nov. 2002. http://www.noble.org/ag/soils/OrganicMatter/Index.htm




Part #2 will be on Soil Compaction.

Mulch - Mulching and it's Effects

Mulch - Mulching and it's Effects

By:Jonathan Manning, CLT
A Better Garden Maintenance, LLC
Denver, CO

Mulch can be divided into two categories; Inorganic and organic mulch. Rocks, or rubber chips would be consider to be inorganic mulch. Bark chips, western shredded cedar, Idaho Shredded Cedar, Metro Mulch (colored recycled chips) and any other form of mulch which biodegrades would be considered organic mulch. Both sources have a positive effect on plants & soil.



Mulches allow water to be dispersed or more has a dampening effect. Rainfall or any water causes compaction as it hits open ground. Mulch allows a cushion and protects the soil structure from compaction or crusting. Both organic and inorganic mulch allows water to be retained in the soil and heat to be moderated. This will reduce the amount of water which needs to be supplemented.



Not only do mulches affect water and soil temperature, but they have a direct effect on your garden. Mulches cover up and help prevent germination of weed seeds. It also allows for easier weeding as the increased water retention makes it easier to get the whole root structure.



The choice of which mulch you utilize is up to you. You need to decide whether you want to see white rocks, dark shredded cedar, large bark chips or even a brightly colored red mulch. The benefits of inorganic mulch is it does not decompose. This means you will not have to top dress, unless you just want to add some fresh color. But at the same time, if the mulch does not decompose, organic matter is not added to the soil profile.



Organic mulch is lost throughout the season from decompostion. This is a great benefit to any garden as organic matter increases the water retention capacity of the soil. With natural mulch, the garden will need to be topdressed regularly to ensure the benefits are being received. Be careful, the addition of more than about 4 inches of mulch can actually cause disease, absorb the water, and even not allow air to the roots.



Just remember, we provide all gardening and mulching services. Contact us today and we can get a gardener out to provide cleanup, pruning, weeding or mulching services. We hope this help you have A Better Garden.