XVI International Botanical Congess

Soil compaction occurs in agricultural and recreational areas due to the use of equipment and traffic from humans and livestock. The effects of soil compaction on root and root hair morphology of Phaseolus vulgaris were studied. Soil compaction resulted in longer primary roots than those in controls and a reduction in lateral root number. Root hairs had decreased surface area to volume ratios and disorganized F-actin, compared to controls. Root tips displayed sub-apical swelling. Compacted soils contained higher levels of total C, N and Ca compared to controls and unplanted soil. These data suggest that compaction may affect the surface area to volume ratio in root hairs which may be a factor in limiting the uptake of soil nutrients. We present this data in the context of flora restoration strategies in areas suffering from soil compaction.