Bodemkundige aspecten van de teelt van enige tuinbouwgewassen

Soil requirements were studied for some economically important horticultural crops: apples, tulips, roses and cucumbers.Soil profiles were described, the chief characteristics being the granular, the hydrological and the structural profile.Root-system profiles were prepared, as a means to characterize the rooting intensity in the soil as well the nature and condition of the roots. A connection was established between the root-system profile and other soil factors described in the field at several sites. Since also a qualitative relation was found between the root- system profile and the growth results, the root profile could be used for advice on soil management.A deep and intense root development improved the crop. The structural and hydrological profiles provided information where rooting was restricted.An intermediate layer of inferior structure, frequently occurring in the upper part of the profile, had to be improved by mechanical or biological methods. However, subsoils of favourable structure should not be disturbed by ploughing. In general more attention should be paid to drainage, since excess of water often limited root development.</p