Effect of Compaction on Plant Growth and Nutrient Uptake

Introduction
The ability of soil to sustain a plant's growth is attributed to a number of different factors such as level of compaction, nutrient storage as well as air and water penetration. Each of these factors affect the overall health and growth rate of the plant with soil compaction limiting the advance of roots through the soil column, as well as decreasing the soil porosity.
Soil compaction is one of the main reasons which limit a plants uptake of vital nutrients like potassium, phosphorous and zinc, which are usually absorbed through the roots or root hairs of the plant.…