The loss of adequate air supply to the root zone is most commonly caused by poor irrigation practices.

The loss of adequate air supply to the root zone is most commonly caused by poor irrigation practices.

• A. True
• B. Not always
• C. Often
• D. False

Answer: (D)

Air in the root zone is governed by how much pore space the soil has and how wet the soil becomes. When the soil is saturated, oxygen is pushed out by water, and roots can’t breathe. But saying this is most commonly caused by poor irrigation practices isn’t accurate. The biggest contributors are soil structure and drainage—soil compaction from traffic or heavy soils that naturally hold onto water, and drainage problems or a high water table that keep the root zone wet for long periods. Irrigation can contribute to saturation if it’s overdone, but it’s not the sole or most common cause. The practical takeaway is to prevent prolonged saturation by improving drainage, reducing compaction, and matching irrigation to the soil’s water-holding capacity.

Air in the root zone is governed by how much pore space the soil has and how wet the soil becomes. When the soil is saturated, oxygen is pushed out by water, and roots can’t breathe. But saying this is most commonly caused by poor irrigation practices isn’t accurate. The biggest contributors are soil structure and drainage—soil compaction from traffic or heavy soils that naturally hold onto water, and drainage problems or a high water table that keep the root zone wet for long periods. Irrigation can contribute to saturation if it’s overdone, but it’s not the sole or most common cause. The practical takeaway is to prevent prolonged saturation by improving drainage, reducing compaction, and matching irrigation to the soil’s water-holding capacity.