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Some Characteristics of Plinthite Inhibiting Plant Growth¹

Plant roots do not readily penetrate soil horizons containing plinthite. This study was conducted to determine some chemical and physical characteristics of plinthite which appear inhibitory to normal plant growth. Field and laboratory studies indicate that bulk density of plinthite is higher than non-plinthic material surrounding nodular plinthite bodies. Bulk density of non-plinthic material associated with nodular plinthite bodies is comparable to soil without plinthite. Samples from the Ap, B22tpl, and C horizons of a Tifton soil (fine-loamy, silicious, thermic family of Plinthic Paleudults) were collected and placed in containers to simulate field arrangement of soil horizons and a test crop of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) was grown under different treatments of CaCO₃ and CaSO₄. Aluminum toxicity was overcome by adding CaCO₃. Soluble Al was reduced by CaCO₃ but not by CaSO₄. The addition of CaSO₄ had less effect on yield, Ca uptake, and suppression of Al uptake by sorghum plants than CaCO₈. There was no major root growth in the plinthic layer except when soluble Al was removed by CaCO₃ addition.

Key Words: Non-plinthic material • Nodular plinthite • Al toxicity • CaCO₃ • CaSO₄

² Professor and graduate student, respectively. Agronomy Dep., Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA.

Received for publication October 20, 1980.