Evaluation of Soil Structure,Soil Particles,Pore Size,Saturated Flow of Water,Bulk Density of Soil,Soil Structure,Soil Aggregates

Evaluation of Soil Structure

	Evaluation of Soil Structure Soil structure is determined by the following factors: Size of the soil particles Large-sized particles like sand or coarse sand do not form stable soil aggregates. Particles of size less than 0.002 mm like clay playa major role in building up the soil structure. Pore size The micro pore size affects the soil aggregate formation. As the pore size decreases, water retention capacity increases. Thus in clayey soil, there is a greater chance of soil aggregate formation than in a sandy soil.
Saturated flow of water Soil is saturated with water, i.e. even the macropores are full of water. Water moves in the soil according to the difference in potential (water flows from a higher potential to the state of lower potential, i.e. drier soil). This potential difference is called the hydraulic conductivity of soil and depends on macropores and viscosity of water. Bulk density of soil It is the weight of dry solids per unit volume of soil which is the sum of volume occupied by soil solids and air. BD = Wt. of soil solids/ (Vol. of soil solids + Vol. of air)
Dry soils of finer texture (less soil particle diameter) like clay have more space filled with air than those of coarse texture. Hence weight per unit volume of soil is reduced, reducing the bulk density of soil. lmportance of Soil Structure A well-structured soil increases water intake and drainage and has a direct effect on plant growth. It influences biological activities such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification and decomposition.

Index >> Microbes and Lithosphere>> Evaluation of Soil Structure

Evaluation of Soil Structure