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

Ecology, Importance of ecology

Importance of ecology

Ideal characteristics of oxygenator, Ideal Characteristics 1) Maximize...

Ideal Characteristics 1) Maximize gas transfer (oxygen, carbon dioxide and anaesthetic gases) 2) Minimize blood trauma 3) Good heat transfer efficiency 4) Minimize

What are the symptoms of congestive cardiac failure, Q. What are the sympto...

Q. What are the symptoms of congestive cardiac failure? Congestive cardiac failure is a progressive form of cardiomyopathy. The most classical symptom is fluid imbalance due to

Classification of chromatography -basic separation technique, Define Classi...

Define Classification of Chromatography - Basic Separation Technique Chromatography can be classified depending upon: Physiochemical principles/factors, The techniqu

Explain herbals of brunfels, Explain Herbals of Brunfels? Between the y...

Explain Herbals of Brunfels? Between the years 1530 and 1536 Otto Brunfelsius (Brunfels) (1463-1534) published his 'Herbal' which consisted of descriptions of a large number of

Seliwanoff test or resorcinol hydrochloric acid reaction, Define seliwano...

Define seliwanoff's Test or Resorcinol Hydrochloric Acid Reaction? seliwanoff's test is specific test for ketonic groups and therefore is positive for ketose sugars like fruc

What do you understand by hiatus hernia, Q. What do you understand by Hiatu...

Q. What do you understand by Hiatus Hernia? Several long/short term complications may arise due to GERD which may in turn increase the frequency or severity of this disease. On

What is the importance of the glucose blood level, What is the importance o...

What is the importance of the glucose blood level for human health? The glucose blood level (glycemia) must be kept normal. If it is abnormally low there is not enough glucose

Functions of the musculoskeletal system, Q. What are the functions of the m...

Q. What are the functions of the musculoskeletal system? The musculoskeletal system has the functions of protecting and supporting organs, maintenance of the body spatial confo

Demonstration of diversity of plant and animal - taxonomy, Demonstration of...

Demonstration of Diversity of Plant and Animal - Taxonomy A third objective is the demonstration of tremendous diversity of the plant and animal world and its relation to man's

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