Physical properties of a sandy soil as affected by incubation with a synthetic root exudate: Strength, thermal and hydraulic conductivity, and evaporation.

The effects of incubating a sandy soil with a synthetic root exudate (SRE) on soil physical properties and evaporation are examined.SRE incubation increased the fraction of small pores.SRE incubation increased soil penetrometer resistance and thermal conductivity.Soil hydraulic conductivity was increased in the wet region but was reduced in the dry region.SRE incubation reduced the overall evaporation rate and cumulative water loss.