Markpackning och regenerering av markstruktur

This study examines soil compaction and its effect on soil properties, how to avoid compaction and how to regenerate damaged soil structures. One central focus that the study deals with is what importance earthworms have in soil compaction processes. The focus on earthworms is interesting because...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor principal: Alexandersson, Susanne
Formato: M2
Lenguaje:sueco
Inglés
Publicado: SLU/Dept. of Soil and Environment 2017
Materias:
Descripción
Sumario:This study examines soil compaction and its effect on soil properties, how to avoid compaction and how to regenerate damaged soil structures. One central focus that the study deals with is what importance earthworms have in soil compaction processes. The focus on earthworms is interesting because they are important for the soil structure and therefore they play an important role in soil compaction processes. Furthermore, the importance of earthworms in soil compaction processes is yet an understudied area in agricultural research and related applied studies. This study is based on existing academic literature and applied studies on soil structure and soil compaction. In addition to this, the study also presents novel information of practical experiences which have been collected through interviews with professionals in Sweden. The main results show that soil compaction is an increasing problem and that in the long term it will affect the quality of arable land, crop growth and the environment. There is no specific factor that determines the degree of compaction, however, there are several factors that together contribute to different degrees of compaction. Soil compaction can be avoided and compacted soils can be regenerated. This is an important insight as a good and sustained soil structure leads to crop growth and relatively high yield potential. The study also shows that earthworms positively influence soil structure and thus contribute to alleviate the effects of soil compaction. Yet, soil compaction also impacts negatively on earthworms and reduce the earthworm populations. The role of earthworms in regeneration of compacted soils is not straightforward. Overall, there is a need for knowledge about soil compaction, how it can be avoided and how soils can be regenerate after compaction. Since the importance of earthworms is unclear, it can be seen as an indication that more studies that focuses on this is needed.