Aeration, Biology

Assignment Help:

Aeration

A well-aerated soil is one in which gases are available to plant roots and other soil organisms, in sufficient quantities and in proper proportions to support their normal respiratory activities. It is important that oxygen which is necessary for soil biota is continuously renewed to support metabolic activities.

A soil which is considered well aerated must have the following two characteristics. First, sufficient space for air movement should be present. Second, there must be ample opportunity for the ready movement of gases into and out of the soil. Soil aeration is an important factor having far reaching influence on the metabolic activity of plant roots and other soil organisms. Continuous supply of oxygen in the soil is necessary to sustain soil organisms.

One of the most apparent effects of poor soil aeration is the reduction in the rate of organic matter decomposition, which you might recall is an essential process to maintain soil fertility. The reduced rate of break down of organic matter is due to the lack of oxygen rather than from the built up of carbon dioxide. Accumulation of organic matter in swampy areas shows that the lack of oxygen retards the decomposition of organic matter.

Aerobic soil organisms are unable to survive in the absence of gaseous oxygen. For example, bacteria that are responsible for the oxidation of nitrogen and sulphur are relatively ineffective in poorly aerated soils. This is also true for the symbiotic nitrogen fixers and some of the free living nitrogen fixers such as azotobacter.

Higher plants are also adversely affected by poor soil aeration because the root growth is curtailed; nutrient and water absorption is adversely affected; and certain toxic elements accumulate in poorly aerated soils.


Related Discussions:- Aeration

Population growth - population parameters, Population Growth - Population P...

Population Growth - Population Parameters and Regulation The size of a population depends upon the balance between natality and immigration through which individuals are added

Skin puncture - specimen collection, Skin puncture: skin puncture is...

Skin puncture: skin puncture is usually done when small volume of blood is needed (e.g., blood glucose test) to avoid unnecessary venipuncture. However, skin puncture in

Monosaccharide sugars, Monosaccharide Sugar - carbohydrate consisting o...

Monosaccharide Sugar - carbohydrate consisting of a single sugar unit Have an aldehyde or a ketone group and 2-5 alcohol groups depending of the # of carbons

Define the process of digestion of proteins, Define the Process of Digestio...

Define the Process of Digestion of Proteins? The daily protein intake (of about 50-100 g) and the protein of enzymes, sloughed (bled or drop off) epithelial cells and mucins, w

Cerebellum, why cerebellum more developed in mammals that jump or fly?

why cerebellum more developed in mammals that jump or fly?

Do you know how ketoacidosis develops, Q. Do you know how ketoacidosis deve...

Q. Do you know how ketoacidosis develops? The chain of reaction begins with insufficient insulin to meet the needs of the body. Several factors then work together. These inclu

Phylum protozoa, What is the classification of this phylum

What is the classification of this phylum

Define the diet for children, Define the Diet for Children? By preschoo...

Define the Diet for Children? By preschool stage, their routines are set' and dietary choices become more and more firm by the time they are in senior school. Further, there is

Explain the cardiovascular type of infantile beriberi, Explain The cardiova...

Explain The cardiovascular type of infantile beriberi? It manifests itself in babies between the ages of 2 and 4 months. The onset is acute with classical signs and symptoms of

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd