Air Pockets Around Roots

ALDEVAUX

Can anybody in this forum tell me if their is a good scientific basis why you should not leave air pockets around the roots while planting or repotting a tree ? Some horticultural specialists say that the pockets cause the roots to dry out, but most don't give any reason at all. I personnaly don't see why roots will dry out if the soil is kept wet unless the pocket is a big as the root ball !
In this forum there seems to be a consensus that the more oxygen a root gets the better it grows.
The point I want to make is that you often hear from people assertions that do seem to make sens but are completely wong. For example some say that you should never water your trees while the sun is shining because the water drops acts as a loop to burn the leaves, or never leave plants in your room while sleeping because they absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide. In french we call these "witches' gossip" that are transmitted from generations to generations. Is it possible that air pockets are one of those?
Thank you for your comments, Alain

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rockm

The reasons for not leaving air pockets in root balls isn't really because they dry out, it's the opposite. They tend to stay too wet and become places where microorganisms gather. Such a "hot spot" of baterial and fungal activity becomes the source for root rot.

While oxygen movement through the soil is beneficial, such pockets tend to become staganant place void of Oxygen and promote "anaerobic" bacteria that rots roots.

ALDEVAUX

Is it possible that air pockets are so tight, especially with a coarse bonsai mixture, that there is no movement of air or water inside ?
If this is so, I think you made a very good point. thank you.

TreeBay

How would a coarse mixture lead to tight pockets?

In any case, if the pot drains well, there is no problem with "tight" pockets.

Regards,

Matt

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ALDEVAUX

Thanks Matt, this is what I think too. So if air and water can circulate in the pocket it should not be a problem for root rot. This is why in my first post I wanted to know if their is scientific proof that air pockets are bad for roots. Are there any scientific experiments that showed with a statistical analysis of the results that air pockets can harm a newly potted tree? Alain

thejimmyrigger

I thought trees (leaves atleast) absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen. Besides my bedroom IS my grow room (flourescent lights make GREAT alarm clocks) and I'm still kickin'.
jim

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RonMartin(deceased)

The problem is not so much with air pockets as there is with voids.

A well draining soil will always have air pockets. This is good. The tree needs this for gaseous exchange (and drainage) But once an air pocket becomes large enough to be a void then problems start.
A void is a bit hard to explain but I will try.
Once an air pocket becomes so big that there is no possibilities of a root growing across it then it is a void.
Sort of like the difference between the spaces in a loose weave sweater and a hole in the same.
Hope that helps. Probably not but one can hope

ALDEVAUX

All plants during photosynthesis take carbon dioxide and release oxygen. But the opposite occurs at night when there is no photosynthesis. If the amount of carbon dioxide was great enough to make people sick while sleeping with just some plants you can imagine what would happen to those who have to sleep in the forest while camping !

RonMartin(deceased)

Bolderdash