Chapter

Soil Aeration

From Introduction to Soil Science by Amber Anderson and Rivka Fidel

Concepts

1. Soil Aeration

   "Soil aeration is the degree of mixing between soil air and atmospheric air and is closely related to the amount of oxygen in soil. It can be measured by oxygen concentration, air-filled porosity, or

2. Aeration Important

   "Plant roots require oxygen for aerobic respiration, and insufficient aeration can cause roots to suffocate and die. Aerobic microorganisms also need oxygen, so poor aeration slows decomposition and c

3. Gases Move

   "Mass flow moves gases from areas of high pressure to low pressure, while diffusion moves individual gases from high concentration to low concentration. Diffusion is much slower than mass flow and is