This article throws light upon the three main factors affecting the composition of soil air. The factors are: 1. Oxygen 2. Carbon Dioxide 3. Water Vapour. Factor # 1. Oxygen: The amount of O2 in soil air is much less than that of the atmospheric air. Plant roots and different micro-organisms require O2 for their metabolism which they take from [...]
After reading this article you will learn about the principles and Ficks’s law for measuring Oxygen Diffusion Rate (ODR). Principles of Measuring Oxygen Diffusion Rate (ODR): When a certain electric potential is applied between a platinum electrode inserted into the soil and a reference electrode, oxygen (O2) is reduced at the platinum electrode surface. The general reaction taking place at [...]
This article throws light upon the two main reasons responsible for poor aeration in soil. The reasons are: 1. Excess Moisture 2. Gaseous Interchange. Poor Aeration in Soil: Reason # 1. Excess Moisture: When a soil is subjected to excess moisture, waterlogged condition is developed. This situation is generally found on poorly drained, fine-textured soils having a minimum of macro-pores [...]