Indirect Effects of a Thatch-Inducing Herbicide On Soil Physical Properties Under Turf
1977
Jansen, I. J. | Turgeon, A. J.
A measurable effect on soil physical properties was suspected where applications of calcium arsenate resulted in: 1) thatch formation in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) turf, 2) restriction of rooting to the thatch layer, and 3) inhibition of earthworms in the underlying soil. The objective of this study was to determine the indirect effects of Ca₃(AsO₄)2 on the water infiltration capacity, hydraulic conductivity, moisture characteristics, bulk density and organic matter contents of surface soils from treated turfs. The soil studied was an Aquic Argiudoll and evaluation methods included: 1) the falling-head, flooding method for measuring infiltration in the field, 2) the constant head procedure for measuring hydraulic conductivity in the laboratory, 3) a modified procedure utilizing Tempe cells for determining soil water retention characteristics, 4) the core method for measuring bulk density, and 5) a modified Walkley-Black method for determining organic matter content. Infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity were lower for the Ca₃(AsO₄)₂ treated soils than for untreated soils. Treated soils had a higher bulk density, stored less water in the O to 1 bar tension range, and were lower in organic matter than the untreated soils. The marked alteration of soil physical properties observed to follow Ca₃(AsO₄)₂ treatment is significant for turf management.
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