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

Explain about the term- therapeutic, Explain about the term- Therapeutic ...

Explain about the term- Therapeutic Therapeutic approaches that scientists are pursuing include transplanting cells to replace those which are damaged or using growth factors

Explain precautions for preparation of bacterial smear, Explain Precautions...

Explain Precautions for Preparation of Bacterial Smear? 1. Plates used should be prepared 24 hours before use to avoid spreading of colonies due to moisture in plates. 2. Sw

Define etiological risk factors in cancer - genetic factors, Define etiolog...

Define etiological risk factors in cancer - Genetic Factors? Some cancers are programmed by genes to develop. Gene mutations result from one or more regulatory genes in the cel

What do you understand by serial homology, What do you understand by Serial...

What do you understand by Serial homology? Metamerization results in a linear series of segments which share a common embryonic origin. Ancestrally, all metameres were identica

Epidermis, EPIDERMIS - Ectodermal in origin. Outer part of skin. Mad...

EPIDERMIS - Ectodermal in origin. Outer part of skin. Made up of stratified epithelium. Branches of sensory nerves present. More branches on lips, tips of fingers. B

Anti lipid drugs-peri operative problems, Anti Lipid Drugs :  The current ...

Anti Lipid Drugs :  The current thinking is that it is very important to keep lipid levels low. It helps in preventing atherosclerotic changes in venous grafts and the long-term p

Disorders of thyroid function, Disorders of Thyroid Function: The diso...

Disorders of Thyroid Function: The disorders of thyroid function may  lead to following problems:  Juvenile Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is one of the most common end

Precautions for determination of iodine number of lipids, Precautions for d...

Precautions for determination of iodine number of lipids? 1. If using the pipette for transferring the oil, allow the pipette to drain slowly and completely, as oil takes time

What are the two techniques of submerged implants, Submerged implants Decis...

Submerged implants Decision has to be made between two techniques. These techniques are: Technique 1: Stage two using a mucoperiosteal flap Technique 2: Stage two done wi

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