Plant-Induced Changes in Soil Structure: Processes and Feedbacks

• Published in: Biogeochemistry 1998-08, Vol.42 (1/2), p.55-72
• Main Authors: Angers, Denis A., Caron, Jean
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural soils; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Clay loam soils; Clay soils; Drying; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Fauna; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Geochemistry; Nutrient cycles; Organic soils; Physical properties; Physics, chemistry, biochemistry and biology of agricultural and forest soils; Plant growth; Plant roots; Prairie soils; Roots; Soil aggregation; Soil and rock geochemistry; Soil organic matter; Soil science; Soil structure; Soil water; Soils; Synecology; Terrestrial ecosystems
• ISSN: 0168-2563; 1573-515X
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1005944025343

Soil structure influences the growth and activity of organisms living in soil. In return, microbes, fauna, and plants affect structure. The objective of this paper is to review the role of plants in modifying soil structure. Vegetation affects structural form and stability at different scales and through various direct and indirect mechanisms. By penetrating the soil, roots form macropores which favour fluid transport. They also create zones of failure which contribute to fragment the soil and form aggregates. This phenomenon is enhanced by the wetting and drying cycles associated with plant growth. Drying also causes shrinkage and strengthening of the soil. Anchorage of roots and the exudation of cementing material stabilizes soil structure. Finally, as a source of C, roots and plant residues provide a food source to the microflora and fauna which contribute to structure formation and stabilization. In return, plant-induced changes in structure will affect plant growth mostly by modifying the root physical environment, and the water and nutrient cycles.