Mechanics and Related Processes in Structured Agricultural Soils: 172 (NATO Science Series E:, 172) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0792303423 ISBN 13: 9780792303428

Publisher: Springer, 1989

Synopsis

Agricultural soils are subjected to many applied mechanical stresses that influence their behavior. Stresses arise from tillage machines, seeders and chemicals applicators, tractors, and equipment for harvest and transport. Applied stresses may compact or loosen the bulk soil. Micro sections of soil (aggregates or clods) may be compacted during tillage while the bulk soil is loosened. Because most granular soils are combined into structural units of varying sizes with different strengths and properties, prediction of the effect of stresses on the behavior of bulk soils is difficult. The basic strength properties of soil are determined by many fac­ tors: the size distribution of particles, chemical and mineralogical properties of inorganic clay fraction, the organic matter content and composition, the water content and the stress history. These factors combine and interact to produce many possible behavior patterns. Changes in structure of the soil from applied stresses and biologi­ cal reactions may profoundly influence storage and transmission of water, heat, and air, and the mechanical resistance to penetration by plant roots. They may also affect the traction of vehicles. Manipulation of structural properties of soils by tillage implements is a major cost under most crop production systems. Reduced energy use is also a significant conservation objective. Improved management systems are very dependent upon a better understanding of soils' response to applied stresses. The content of this book resulted from a NATO Advanced Research Workshop held in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A. September 13-16, 1988.

About this title

Synopsis

Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on [title], held at St. Paul, Minnesota, September 1988. The workshop was divided into four sections on advances in soil mechanics of structured soils, root responses, modeling soil structural behavior, and tillage and compactive effects. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0792303423
• ISBN 13: 9780792303428
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 282
• Editor: Larson W.E., Blake G.R., Allmaras R.R., Voorhees W.B., Gupta S.C.