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

The advantages of human milk over cow milk, a) What are the advantages of h...

a) What are the advantages of human milk over cows' milk for feeding babies? b) Apart from the composition of the milk, what are the other advantages of breast- feeding?

Diagnosis of multiple myeloma, Which of the following abnormal blood work r...

Which of the following abnormal blood work results is most closely associated with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma? A. Extremely high levels of abnormal lymphocytes B. Low potassiu

Explain cellular regeneration, Q. What is the cellular regeneration? How is...

Q. What is the cellular regeneration? How is the mitosis related to this process? Some tissues are capable to regenerate when injured. The liver, for instance, regenerates when

How are fishes characterized, Q. Fish identity card. How are fishes charact...

Q. Fish identity card. How are fishes characterized according to examples of representing beings, skin, basic morphology, circulation, nitrogen waste, respiration, thermal control

Why is it necessary to maintain the ph level, Q Coming from the acid pH of ...

Q Coming from the acid pH of the stomach which pH level does the chyme find when it enters the duodenum? Why is it necessary to maintain that pH level in the small intestine? What

Explain advantages of having internal gills, 1. Explain the challenges and ...

1. Explain the challenges and advantages of having internal gills over external gills for gas exchange? 2. Explain how increased stress levels can affect hormones which ultimate

Under which conditions aerobic cells carry out fermentation, Q. Under which...

Q. Under which conditions do aerobic cells carry out fermentation? Some cells that usually obtain energy from aerobic cellular respiration can perform fermentation when oxygen

Define role of lipids in controlling gene expression, Define role of Lipids...

Define role of Lipids in Controlling Gene Expression? In the lipogenic pathway, the genes that encode the enzymes of the fatty acid synthase complex are co-ordinately expressed

The progeny is expected to have homozygous genotypes, If a plant of genotyp...

If a plant of genotype A/a is selfed, and numerous offsprings are scored, what proportion of the progeny is expected to have homozygous genotypes?

What is the thermopenetration concept, What is the thermopenetration concep...

What is the thermopenetration concept? The pasteurization of products packed in glass containers leads to a problem of a specific nature, which is referred to as 'thermopenetra

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