Root and shoot growth of Prosopis chilensis in response to soil impedance and soil matric potential

The suitability of Prosopis chilensis for reforestation under conditions of high soil bulk density and high moisture stress was examined in a greenhouse study at the University of California, Riverside. Root growth was greatly reduced at high bulk density (2.1 Mg m(-3)) and high moisture stress (-1.0 MPa). However, adverse effects of high bulk density were greatly reduced at low moisture stress. Rate of root growth was adequate for good tree establishment in soils with medium bulk density (1.7 Mg m(-3)). Prosopis chilensis could be successfully grown on dense soils provided good moisture conditions were available for sufficient time. (C) 1998 Academic Press.