5. Conclusions
Soil compaction modifies root morphology and anatomy as a
result of mechanical impedance. These modifications are translated
into changes in physiology and architecture at whole-plant level. It
seems that root morphology leads to changes in plant physiology
which may be due to the root’s exploring capacity (nutrient and
water uptake) being limited by soil compaction. Fraxinus angustifolia
seedlings appear to be more sensitive to soil physical properties
than to chemical ones. It would be necessary to find out if this is
a general response in woody plants, and, therefore, more studies
including a wide set of species are required.