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DEGRADATION AND CONTROL PROCESSES |
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Degradation process:
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Due to compaction.
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Description:
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Soil compaction is due to mechanical pressure caused by the passage of heavy machinery or livestock or by vehicle transit, especially when the soil is wet. This causes dense packing of soil particles, which leads to an increase in bulk density in detriment to soil porosity and especially macroporosity. Unauthorised motocross on illegal circuits compacts the soil and has a negative affect on both vegetation and the fauna that lives in these soils.
Importance: localized.
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Soil functions affected:
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Biomass production (reduction of crop yields due to reduced root growth and explorable volume) and, as a consequence, water and nutrient availability, environmental functions (filtration), hydrological functions (reduced absorption, infiltration and water storage and increases in surface runoff with the consequent risk of erosion and flooding); reduced functioning of the biological habitat.
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Click on the image
Alfalfa roots, which can reach down to a depth of
fondą6 metres, are often obstructed by a compacted
layer at a depth of 15 cm. The presence of cracks
enables subsequent deeper root growth (J. Porta)
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Diagnostic criteria:
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Study the morphology of the root system. Measure the compactness and bulk density of the soil horizons (with a knife or penetrometer) and also conduct specific research. Poor circulation and elimination of soil water
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Click on the image
The presence of a plough pan (compacted pan) impedes
i downward water circulation.
(R. M. Poch)
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downward water circulation.
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Measures aimed at preventing vehicle transit at times of the year when the terrain is too wet. The deeper the compacted layer, the more difficult it is to implement corrective measures.
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Click on the image
Soil compaction by the transit
of heavy machinery when the
soil is too wet. La Segarra
(J. Porta)
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