Adequate soft respiration is essential for healthy turfgrass and is influenced by the physical and biological characteristics of the soil. Turfgrass roots and soil microbes require oxygen for respiration, and its availability can only be assured where there is a rapid and constant exchange of gases between the soil and external atmosphere. Gaseous exchange occurs through diffusion and its efficiency depends on a continuous network of macropores from the surface and down throughout the rooting depthof the grasses. Macropores are defined as soil pores larger than 75 micrometers in diameter and will readily release water through the forces of gravity. Pores of a smaller diameter are termed micropores, and will retain water against the pull of gravityand can be expected to remain full of water after natural drainage has ceased.
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