How does soil permeability affect soil health?
The influence of soil permeability and water storage is predominantly associated with the availability of water to support plant growth as well as biological soil processes. As soil water dynamics are strongly influenced by soil texture, it is important to recognise the limitations to land use capability. • Soil erosion Poor infiltration can lead to loss of soil structure and surface erosion of soil, as well as the loss of associated organic matter and nutrients. • Decreased water storage A decrease in soil permeability can lead to waterlogging in the upper soil layers and the inability of roots to reach deep placed water late in the season. As a soil becomes waterlogged, soil becomes anaerobic and bacteria convert excess nitrate to nitrous oxide (N2O) – a greenhouse gas (read more on ‘Greenhouse gases’). Under permanently waterlogged conditions ethylene, hydrogen sulphide and methane emissions may also increase. Alternately, excessive deep drainage allows water to exit the rooting zon
