Studies on the relation between cultivation implements, soil structure and the crop I. Some preliminary observations on the measurement of soil structure, with a description of an instrument for the measurement of soil resistance

Abstract

The need for physical measurements of soil structure to assist in studies of the relation between cultivation implements and plant growth is pressing. The nature and measurement of soil compactness and consolidation are briefly discussed. Measurements of soil resistance give an indication of consolidation rather than of compactness. An instrument used for the measurement of soil resistance is described, with some notes upon its performance. A brief outline is given of studies on soil structure in relation to gyrotilling. It is shown that the soil-resistance apparatus described gives results similar to those obtained by the use of the drawbar dynamometer in ploughing. A relation between soil resistance and plant growth is demonstrated.