Subsoil Constraints for Crop Production

Subsoil constraints are often overlooked in crop management, but they can limit plant growth. Physical limitations include poor/nil subsoil structure, dense pans, sandy subsoils, and high water table. Chemical constraints include acidity/alkalinity, high extractable Al or Mn, low nutrient availability, salts, boron toxicity, and pyritic subsoils. These constraints are inherent properties of the soil profile or induced by crop and soil management practices.

Format: Paperback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature B.V.

The concept of plant growth being hindered by adverse physical and chemical properties of subsoils is often overlooked, as these limitations are not readily apparent through testing surface soils alone. These constraints can be categorized as physical or chemical, with physical limitations including poor or nil subsoil structure, dense pans that prevent root penetration, sandy subsoils that lack adequate water retention, gravelly subsoils, and high water tables. Chemical constraints encompass acidity/alkalinity, high extractable Al or Mn levels, low nutrient availability, the presence of salts, boron toxicity, and pyritic subsoils. While some of these constraints are inherent to the soil profile, others are influenced by crop and soil management practices.

Within the chapters, the primary focus lies in defining these constraints, exploring amelioration practices, and discussing their potential benefits. By recognizing and addressing these subsoil limitations, farmers and agricultural professionals can optimize crop yields and improve soil health, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Weight: 646g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031003424