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Understand the language of mango growing, one term at a time.
Browse definitions and growing concepts to expand your mango knowledge.
Infiltration is the entry of water through the soil surface. It differs from drainage, which includes movement through and out of the root zone after water enters. For a mango, slow infiltration can cause runoff while fast infiltration may still lead to saturation above an underground barrier. Check both surface behavior and moisture at root depth when planning irrigation. A puddle's disappearance alone does not prove that the whole planting site is adequately drained.
Soil compaction is the compression of soil into a denser condition with reduced pore space. Foot or vehicle traffic, construction, and working wet soil can contribute to it around mango trees. The result may be restricted root growth, slower infiltration, and poor aeration rather than a simple nutrient shortage. Preventing damage is often easier than correcting it beside an established tree. Avoid aggressive cultivation through major roots and assess the actual layer and extent of compaction before attempting remediation.
