The effects of bio-subsoiling species on recovery of compacted subsoils: a literature review

Guido Bakema, Quinten van Boxtel, Loes van Schaik

Research output: Book/ReportReportProfessional

Abstract

Soil compaction is seen as a major challenge in modern agriculture. It could result in decrease in soil qualities such as permeability of water and air, infiltration capacity, water storage, oxygen supply and rootability. Especially subsoil compaction is problematic because of its more permanent nature. Several techniques have been developed to recover compacted subsoils, with bio-subsoiling (deep-penetrating roots) as one that is promising due to its potential and limited drawbacks. This study addresses the knowledge gap about the efficacy of different crops as bio-subsoilers and how these effects can be quantified. A literature-review has been performed on 57 different experiments performed in 20 studies. Nineteen different bio-subsoilers were investigated with the main focus on radish, alfalfa and chicory. The main results from this research suggest that bio-subsoiling effects are complex. Improvements in soil structure are not only dependent on soil loosening, but also on the improvement of functional properties. The crops that were found to be most effective where alfalfa and chicory for changing soil physical characteristics and radish and tall fescue in terms of only penetrating compacted subsoil.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationWageningen
PublisherWageningen Environmental Research
Number of pages67
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Publication series

NameRapport / Wageningen Environmental Research
No.3375
ISSN (Print)1566-7197

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