Soil Science Commons^™

Soil Additives And Their Effect On The Yield Of Various Crops And The Physical Properties Of An Agricultural Soil, Gaylen L. Ashcroft

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

It is generally accepted that soil structure is very important in keeping productivity at a high level. When soils are loose and friable, mechanical impedance to root growth and seedling emergence is greatly reduced. Such soils infiltrate greater quantities of precipitation, are better aerated, and possess a more favorable temperature than puddled soils. Essential plant nutrients are also more easily available in well aggregated soil.

In the last few years, several synthetic soil additives have been placed on the market. Extravagant claims have been made about the ability of these amendments to maintain soil structure, without a sound body of …