Compact soils do not support proper root growth of saplings. Hence garden soils should be soft and not compact to permit plant growth

1. 011 SOIL POROSITY AND ROOT GROWTH
Compact soils do not support proper root growth of saplings. Hence garden
soils should be soft and not compact to permit plant growth
MATERIALS REQUIRED
3 glass or plastic tubes about 3 to 5 cm diameter and 10 to 15 cm long
Good moist garden soil (preferably loamy)
An wooded peg to compress soil
GARDEN SOIL
wooded peg
glass tubes

2. Transfer soil into all the three tubes.
Tube A, fill soil as in flower pot.
Tube B, press soil with your fingers and thumb as you fill
(moderate compaction)
Tube C, use the wooden peg to compact the soil as you fill
(heavy compaction)
Plant a seed/sapling in each
Water lightly each day and observe
A B
C

3. moderate
compaction
heavy
compaction
no
compaction
Leaves
Roots

4. Observe the growth of plant in the 3 tubes
Look for the roots and leaves
Discuss the different patterns
What are your observations?
What are your conclusions?
What is the importance of soil organisms in loosening the soil?
What happens when heavy machines run on the soil?