ABSTRACT
The dynamic of soil structure has numerous agronomic, economic, and ecological implications. Thus, sustainable management of natural resources requires optimization of soil structural characteristics. Structural degradation and decline in aggregation of structured soils lead to soil dispersion, crusting, compaction, formation of pans, accelerated soil erosion, and emission of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (Fig. 6.1). These ramifications can have a drastic impact on plant growth and net primary productivity, hydrologic cycle, water quality, elemental cycling, and emission of trace gases (Fig. 6.2). The interactive effects of soil processes, soil properties, plant growth, and environment can adversely impact ecosystem functions (Fig. 6.3). The latter includes biomass production, purification of water, detoxification of natural and anthropogenic pollutants, restoration and resilience of ecosystems, and cycling of elements.
