Re-engineering a compacted acidic coarse sand enhanced the yield of triticale (x Triticosecale) by excelling root architecture and uptake of resources – a soil columns study
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-12-2025
Journal Title
Plant and Soil
ISSN
ISSN: 0032-079X, eISSN: 1573-5036
Keywords
Deep soil amelioration, Subsoil acidity, Soil compaction, Low rainfall environments, Rainfed cropping, Nutrient acquisition
Disciplines
Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Soil Science
Abstract
Aims
Subsoil constraints such as compaction, acidity and low water-holding limit the full expression of root traits and crop productivity in coarse-textured soils. This study aimed to investigate how soil re-engineering influences root development, resource acquisition and performance of triticale (× Triticosecale) in a sandy soil.
Methods
A semi-controlled environment experiment was conducted involving fifty-six 80 cm deep soil columns, using a factorial combination of soil re-engineering treatments (loosening; loosening + lime; loosening + lime + clay) and N rates (0, 75, 150, 225 kg N ha⁻1). Root morphology, plant growth, grain yield, soil properties, and apparent nitrogen (N) fertiliser recovery were assessed 22 weeks after sowing.
Results
Soil re-engineering significantly increased volumetric root length density throughout the soil profile, particularly with combined lime and clay incorporation. Triticale grown in re-engineered soils had deeper rooting, improved biomass production, higher grain yield, and greater N recovery compared to untreated controls. Nitrogen application enhanced shoot and grain traits; however, a diminishing response was observed with increasing N rate. Regression tree analyses showed that N rate, soil acidity and clay contents were the key drivers of root development and grain yield, once soil compaction is alleviated. Soil re-engineering also increased in-season water use, resulting in lower residual soil moisture at harvest.
Conclusions
Integrated soil physical and chemical amelioration substantially improved yield, root traits and resource acquisition of triticale on deep coarse sand. These findings highlight the potential of deep-profile re-engineering to overcome subsoil constraints, although further field validation is warranted for broader application.
Recommended Citation
Wickramarachchi, K., Chen, Y. & Azam, G. Re-engineering a compacted acidic coarse sand enhanced the yield of triticale (x Triticosecale) by excelling root architecture and uptake of resources – a soil columns study. Plant Soil (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-08190-z
