Development of mechanical soil stability in an initial homogeneous loam and sand planted with two maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes with contrasting root hair attributes under in-situ field conditions

Abstract Purpose Soil structure evolving from physical and biological processes is closely related to soil mechanical characteristics texture. We studied the influence of substrate genotype on initial development traits, differences between depths, changes over course two years in field. Methods Plots were homogeneously filled with a loam sand planted maize ( Zea mays L.) genotypes (wild type (WT) rth3 mutant) contrasting root hair attributes. Undisturbed cores taken 2019 2020 at 14 34 cm depth. Confined uniaxial compression tests performed determine pre-compression stress (σ pc ), compressibility (C c , C s ) elasticity index (EI). Mechanical energy was calculated based penetration resistance (PR) penetrometer needle resembling geometries. Results σ significantly higher as compared sand, whereas factor proved be negligible. Over time, increased decreased declined both substrates. Higher energies observed partially WT. Required than depth sand. Airdry samples required four times much those matric potential (Ψ m -50 kPa. Conclusion For traits examined texture dominating stability could within short period time.