This document discusses the physical properties of soils, including soil separates, texture, structure, density, porosity, permeability, and color. The key points are:
- Soils are composed of particles of different sizes called soil separates - sand, silt, and clay. The relative percentages determine the soil texture (e.g. sandy loam).
- Soil structure refers to how the particles are arranged and can impact properties like drainage. Common structures include granular, blocky, and platy.
- Other important physical properties include density, porosity (amount of pore space), permeability (how quickly water/air can move through the soil), and color which provides information about the soil composition.
Soils are characterised by several physical properties. The important ones are: (1) Soil separates and texture,
(2) Structure of soil, (3) Weight and soil density, (4) Porosity of soil, (5) Permeability of soil, (6) Soil colour, (7) Temperature of soil, and (8) Soil Plasticity, Compressibility and Erodibility. Some of these are discussed in this module.
Soil(physical and chemical)properties.pptxHaroonMalik51
1. The document discusses various physical properties of soil including soil separates, texture, structure, density, porosity, permeability, color, and temperature.
2. Soil is composed of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. The relative percentages of sand, silt, and clay particles determine the soil texture.
3. Physical properties like structure, density, porosity, and permeability influence the soil's ability to support plant growth by impacting water retention and drainage. Color and temperature are also important physical properties.
This document provides an overview of measuring soil moisture using digital image processing. It begins with an introduction stating that soil moisture content is important for crop growth and needs to be measured online. It then describes applying digital image processing techniques to images of soil layers to extract the gray value characteristic, and analyzing the relationship between gray value and soil moisture content. Experimental results showed an approximate linear relationship between soil moisture percentage and image gray value.
The document discusses key concepts related to soil including:
1) Soil is made up of broken down rock material that has been altered by various processes from the parent rock and provides an environment for plant growth.
2) The soil environment can be studied based on physical, chemical, and biological factors like texture, structure, nutrients, and living organisms.
3) Key properties that influence the soil environment include texture, structure, pH, cation exchange capacity, and water/air content which impact plant growth.
Soil texture refers to the percentage of sand, silt, and clay particles that make up soil. Sand particles are large with big pores while clay particles are small with tiny pores. Clay and humus particles give soil cation exchange capacity and improve fertility. Ideal soil structure forms stable aggregates. Primary cultivation aerates soil and incorporates organic matter while secondary cultivation firms soil into a crumb structure that supports root growth. A crumb soil structure is best for horticulture.
Soil is a complex system consisting of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and living organisms. It supports nearly all life on Earth. Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates or peds. There are four main types of soil structure: plate-like, prismatic, blocky, and spheroidal. Structure is classified based on ped size and distinctness. Factors such as climate, organic matter, tillage, roots, organisms, and wetting/drying influence soil structure formation. The four main soil types are sandy soil, clay soil, silt soil, and loamy soil, which is an ideal mixture of the other soil components.
Chapter 3 soil water and irrigation practice1Mulugeta Abera
This document summarizes key concepts about soil water and irrigation practices. It discusses how soil serves as a storehouse for water and nutrients that are essential for plant growth. The document then describes the three-phase system of soil consisting of solids, liquids, and gases. It explains how soil texture, structure, and physical properties influence the soil's water holding capacity and retention. Different types of soils like sandy soil, loamy soil, and clay soil are characterized. The concept of bulk density, porosity, and soil moisture content on a mass and volume basis are introduced to quantify the water in soil. Maintaining proper soil water levels through irrigation is important for optimal plant growth and yield.
Soils are characterised by several physical properties. The important ones are: (1) Soil separates and texture,
(2) Structure of soil, (3) Weight and soil density, (4) Porosity of soil, (5) Permeability of soil, (6) Soil colour, (7) Temperature of soil, and (8) Soil Plasticity, Compressibility and Erodibility. Some of these are discussed in this module.
Soil(physical and chemical)properties.pptxHaroonMalik51
1. The document discusses various physical properties of soil including soil separates, texture, structure, density, porosity, permeability, color, and temperature.
2. Soil is composed of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. The relative percentages of sand, silt, and clay particles determine the soil texture.
3. Physical properties like structure, density, porosity, and permeability influence the soil's ability to support plant growth by impacting water retention and drainage. Color and temperature are also important physical properties.
This document provides an overview of measuring soil moisture using digital image processing. It begins with an introduction stating that soil moisture content is important for crop growth and needs to be measured online. It then describes applying digital image processing techniques to images of soil layers to extract the gray value characteristic, and analyzing the relationship between gray value and soil moisture content. Experimental results showed an approximate linear relationship between soil moisture percentage and image gray value.
The document discusses key concepts related to soil including:
1) Soil is made up of broken down rock material that has been altered by various processes from the parent rock and provides an environment for plant growth.
2) The soil environment can be studied based on physical, chemical, and biological factors like texture, structure, nutrients, and living organisms.
3) Key properties that influence the soil environment include texture, structure, pH, cation exchange capacity, and water/air content which impact plant growth.
Soil texture refers to the percentage of sand, silt, and clay particles that make up soil. Sand particles are large with big pores while clay particles are small with tiny pores. Clay and humus particles give soil cation exchange capacity and improve fertility. Ideal soil structure forms stable aggregates. Primary cultivation aerates soil and incorporates organic matter while secondary cultivation firms soil into a crumb structure that supports root growth. A crumb soil structure is best for horticulture.
Soil is a complex system consisting of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and living organisms. It supports nearly all life on Earth. Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates or peds. There are four main types of soil structure: plate-like, prismatic, blocky, and spheroidal. Structure is classified based on ped size and distinctness. Factors such as climate, organic matter, tillage, roots, organisms, and wetting/drying influence soil structure formation. The four main soil types are sandy soil, clay soil, silt soil, and loamy soil, which is an ideal mixture of the other soil components.
Chapter 3 soil water and irrigation practice1Mulugeta Abera
This document summarizes key concepts about soil water and irrigation practices. It discusses how soil serves as a storehouse for water and nutrients that are essential for plant growth. The document then describes the three-phase system of soil consisting of solids, liquids, and gases. It explains how soil texture, structure, and physical properties influence the soil's water holding capacity and retention. Different types of soils like sandy soil, loamy soil, and clay soil are characterized. The concept of bulk density, porosity, and soil moisture content on a mass and volume basis are introduced to quantify the water in soil. Maintaining proper soil water levels through irrigation is important for optimal plant growth and yield.
This document discusses soil texture, structure, and cultivation. It defines soil texture as the percentage of sand, silt, and clay, and describes the characteristics of each particle. Soil structure refers to how particles are arranged. Primary cultivation aerates soil and incorporates organic matter, while secondary cultivation produces a fine crumb structure ideal for plant growth. The ideal soil texture is loam due to a balance of characteristics from each particle.
This document discusses soil texture, structure, and cultivation. It defines soil texture as the percentage of sand, silt, and clay, and describes the characteristics of each particle. Soil structure refers to how particles are arranged. Primary cultivation aerates soil and incorporates organic matter, while secondary cultivation produces a fine crumb structure ideal for plant growth. The ideal soil texture is loam due to a balance of characteristics, while sandy and clay soils each have disadvantages for plant growth.
Soil is formed by the breakdown of rocks through weathering processes like wind, water, and climate. It is composed of mineral and organic constituents in solid, liquid, and gas states. Soil contains particles of various sizes like sand, silt, and clay which give it different textures and properties that determine what types of plants can grow in each soil. Factors like temperature, precipitation, and biological activity influence soil formation and characteristics in different climate zones.
Soil texture refers to the relative percentages of sand, silt, and clay in soil. Texture influences various soil properties like water holding capacity, aeration, drainage, and nutrient storage. The arrangement of soil particles into aggregates is called soil structure, which also impacts properties such as porosity, density, and consistency. Common soil structures include platy, prismatic, blocky, granular, and crumb structures. Factors like organic matter, tillage practices, climate, and soil fauna influence aggregate formation and stability. Ideal soil structure, such as moderate or crumb structure, supports plant growth through improved drainage, aeration, and habitat for microbes.
Properties of Soil Agricultural and Water Availability Impa.docxwoodruffeloisa
Properties of Soil: Agricultural
and Water Availability Impacts
Investigation
Manual
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Made ADA compliant by
NetCentric Technologies using
the CommonLook® software
Key
Personal protective
equipment
(PPE)
goggles gloves apron
follow
link to
video
photograph
results and
submit
stopwatch
required
warning corrosion flammable toxic environment health hazard
PROPERTIES OF SOIL: AGRICULTURAL AND WATER
AVAILABILITY IMPACTS
Overview
Earth’s soil plays a major role in the world’s agriculture and has a
substantial effect on water availability in a given area. In this inves-
tigation, students will analyze the natural porosity and particle size
of soil samples along with the chemical composition and profile of
different soil types.
Outcomes
• Examine the properties of soil and their effects on agriculture
and water availability.
• Describe and identify soil horizons based on their chemical and
physical composition.
• Distinguish between the particle sizes of three different types of
soil: sand, silt, and clay.
• Determine the porosity of different soil types.
• Analyze soil samples for a variety of nutrients to determine soil
fertility.
Time Requirements
Preparation ....................................................................... 5 minutes
Activity 1: Particle Size Distribution and Determination of Soil
Texture
Day 1 ...................... 20 minutes, then let sit for 24 hours
Day 2 ............................................................. 30 minutes
Activity 2: Porosity of Different Soil Types ...................... 60 minutes
Activity 3: pH Test Comparison of Soil Samples ............ 30 minutes
Activity 4: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash Test Comparisons of
Soil Samples
Day 1 ...................... 20 minutes, then let sit for 24 hours
Day 2 ............................................................. 60 minutes
2 Carolina Distance Learning
Table of Contents
2 Overview
2 Outcomes
2 Time Requirements
3 Background
10 Materials
11 Safety
11 Preparation
12 Activity 1
13 Activity 2
14 Activity 3
16 Submission
16 Disposal and Cleanup
17 Lab Worksheet
Background
Soil Horizons and Chemical Composition
The type of dirt that makes up the dry
surfaces of the earth has numerous effects on
humans and the environment, and vice versa.
Humans can modify the suitability of some
areas for agriculture based on prior land use.
The properties of soil also determine water
availability in a given area. Areas that contain the
most suitable soil for farming are often limited.
Certain properties of soil determine whether
an area is suitable for human activity. When
considering the properties of soil, its texture,
shape, particle aggregation, and suitability for
growth come to mind. These properties all play
a major role in determining the capability of an
area to retain water and air, which are necessary
f ...
This document provides an overview of soil, including its definition, formation, profile, components, types, properties, and human impacts. It defines soil as the organic and inorganic material on the surface of the earth that provides the medium for plant growth. The key factors that influence soil formation are climate, parent material, topography, biota, and time. The four main soil components are minerals, air, water, and organic material. Common soil types include sand, silt, clay and loam. Human activities like erosion, desertification, acidification, deforestation, and salinization can degrade soils.
Soil can be broadly classified into sandy soil, clayey soil, and loamy soil based on their composition. Sandy soil contains large sand particles and is well-aerated but cannot hold much water or nutrients. Clayey soil contains small clay particles, traps little air, and can hold water and nutrients well but is difficult to plough. Loamy soil has the right proportions of sand, silt, and clay, and has good aeration and water and nutrient holding capacities and can be ploughed easily. Soil erosion occurs when topsoil is removed by forces like wind, water, or overgrazing, and can lead to issues like floods, famines and landslides. Protecting soil from erosion requires maintaining veget
Soil texture and color are two important physical properties of soil. Texture, determined by particle size, affects water holding capacity and drainage. Color provides clues to nutrient levels, with darker soils generally more fertile. The three main soil types formed from weathered rock are sand, silt and clay. Sand has large pores and drains quickly but holds few nutrients. Clay has small pores, drains slowly but retains water and nutrients well. Loam, an ideal soil for growing plants, is a mixture of sand, silt, clay and decomposed organic matter called humus.
Soil is formed by the weathering of rock and consists of particles ranging in size from clay to gravel. The main types of soil particles are sand, silt, and clay, which determine the soil texture. Sandy soil has the largest particles and best drainage, while clay soil is sticky and poorly drained. Loam soil contains a mixture of particles that makes it fertile for planting. Several classification systems exist to categorize soils based on particle size and other properties.
Soil Science Simplified.ppt #soil science #fundamentals of sailajaysaini99283371
This document provides an introduction to basic soil properties and formation factors. It discusses why soil is an important resource, noting its role in plant growth, water filtration, gas exchange, and historical record. The document then covers physical soil properties like texture, structure, pore space, temperature, and color. It describes the components that make up soil, such as sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. It also explains methods for determining properties like texture, using the soil texture triangle and Munsell color system.
This document discusses building materials used in rural construction before independence. It describes materials like mud, lime, bamboo, stone, clay bricks, coconut leaves, jute and palm leaves that were commonly used. It then provides details on soil as a building material, including its formation, classification systems, properties and various tests conducted on soil.
This document discusses various physical properties of soils including soil texture, structure, density, porosity, colour, and consistence. Soil texture refers to the relative proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in a soil. Soil structure describes the arrangement of these primary particles. Other properties discussed include bulk density, pore space, factors influencing colour, and Atterberg limits which characterize a soil's plasticity.
This document discusses various physical properties of soils including soil texture, structure, density, porosity, colour, and consistence. Soil texture refers to the relative proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in a soil. Soil structure describes the arrangement of these primary particles. Other properties discussed include bulk density, pore space, factors influencing colour, and Atterberg limits which characterize a soil's plasticity.
This document summarizes several key physical properties of soil: soil texture refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay and is estimated using feel or sedimentation methods; soil structure describes how primary particles are aggregated and affects properties like aeration; soil density measures bulk density and particle density which impact water and air movement; porosity refers to pore space between particles and influences moisture and gas exchange; consistence describes soil cohesion at different moisture levels; and soil color provides clues about drainage conditions and chemical processes from hue, value, and chroma measured using a Munsell chart.
Exposes the elementary science student to the idea there are three major kinds of soil found on earth as well as the very important remains of dead plants and animals called humus. Discusses soil and humus along with as some of the properties of each.
Chemistry of Soil. Layer composition factors etcmiraronald16
Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, air and water that forms from the weathering of rock and decay of organic material. Soil chemistry focuses on chemical reactions in soil and the fate of contaminants and nutrients, allowing scientists to monitor pollution effects. Soil formation is influenced by climate, organisms, topography, the underlying parent material, and time. These factors work together over long periods to break down parent material and produce distinct soil layers with varying compositions.
Microbes play an essential role in soil properties and plant growth. They are responsible for decomposing organic matter, fixing nitrogen, and managing soil stability through various biochemical processes. The four main types of microbes found in soil are bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and algae. Each group serves important functions like nutrient cycling, organic matter breakdown, and maintaining balances in the soil environment. Microbes also influence soil structure by producing compounds that bind soil particles together and form stable aggregates.
This document discusses soil texture, structure, and water content. It defines soil texture as the percentage of sand, silt, and clay particles in soil. Soil structure refers to how these particles are arranged. Ideal soil structure for plant growth is crumb-like, as seen in loam soils. The document also explains how soil texture and structure impact water retention, aeration, and root growth. It defines several terms related to soil water content, including field capacity and permanent wilting point, and stresses the importance of balancing air and water for healthy plant growth.
The document discusses the components and properties of soil. It describes the origins of soil parent material as being residual, transported, or cumulose. Soil develops layers over time from weathering of parent materials. Soil consists of solids, liquids, and gases, with mineral matter, organic matter, water, and air making up its volume. Key properties of soil discussed include color, texture, structure, consistence, and fertility/productivity. Texture refers to particle size and affects water holding and workability. Structure and consistence influence aeration and drainage.
This document discusses soil texture, structure, and cultivation. It defines soil texture as the percentage of sand, silt, and clay, and describes the characteristics of each particle. Soil structure refers to how particles are arranged. Primary cultivation aerates soil and incorporates organic matter, while secondary cultivation produces a fine crumb structure ideal for plant growth. The ideal soil texture is loam due to a balance of characteristics from each particle.
This document discusses soil texture, structure, and cultivation. It defines soil texture as the percentage of sand, silt, and clay, and describes the characteristics of each particle. Soil structure refers to how particles are arranged. Primary cultivation aerates soil and incorporates organic matter, while secondary cultivation produces a fine crumb structure ideal for plant growth. The ideal soil texture is loam due to a balance of characteristics, while sandy and clay soils each have disadvantages for plant growth.
Soil is formed by the breakdown of rocks through weathering processes like wind, water, and climate. It is composed of mineral and organic constituents in solid, liquid, and gas states. Soil contains particles of various sizes like sand, silt, and clay which give it different textures and properties that determine what types of plants can grow in each soil. Factors like temperature, precipitation, and biological activity influence soil formation and characteristics in different climate zones.
Soil texture refers to the relative percentages of sand, silt, and clay in soil. Texture influences various soil properties like water holding capacity, aeration, drainage, and nutrient storage. The arrangement of soil particles into aggregates is called soil structure, which also impacts properties such as porosity, density, and consistency. Common soil structures include platy, prismatic, blocky, granular, and crumb structures. Factors like organic matter, tillage practices, climate, and soil fauna influence aggregate formation and stability. Ideal soil structure, such as moderate or crumb structure, supports plant growth through improved drainage, aeration, and habitat for microbes.
Properties of Soil Agricultural and Water Availability Impa.docxwoodruffeloisa
Properties of Soil: Agricultural
and Water Availability Impacts
Investigation
Manual
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Made ADA compliant by
NetCentric Technologies using
the CommonLook® software
Key
Personal protective
equipment
(PPE)
goggles gloves apron
follow
link to
video
photograph
results and
submit
stopwatch
required
warning corrosion flammable toxic environment health hazard
PROPERTIES OF SOIL: AGRICULTURAL AND WATER
AVAILABILITY IMPACTS
Overview
Earth’s soil plays a major role in the world’s agriculture and has a
substantial effect on water availability in a given area. In this inves-
tigation, students will analyze the natural porosity and particle size
of soil samples along with the chemical composition and profile of
different soil types.
Outcomes
• Examine the properties of soil and their effects on agriculture
and water availability.
• Describe and identify soil horizons based on their chemical and
physical composition.
• Distinguish between the particle sizes of three different types of
soil: sand, silt, and clay.
• Determine the porosity of different soil types.
• Analyze soil samples for a variety of nutrients to determine soil
fertility.
Time Requirements
Preparation ....................................................................... 5 minutes
Activity 1: Particle Size Distribution and Determination of Soil
Texture
Day 1 ...................... 20 minutes, then let sit for 24 hours
Day 2 ............................................................. 30 minutes
Activity 2: Porosity of Different Soil Types ...................... 60 minutes
Activity 3: pH Test Comparison of Soil Samples ............ 30 minutes
Activity 4: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash Test Comparisons of
Soil Samples
Day 1 ...................... 20 minutes, then let sit for 24 hours
Day 2 ............................................................. 60 minutes
2 Carolina Distance Learning
Table of Contents
2 Overview
2 Outcomes
2 Time Requirements
3 Background
10 Materials
11 Safety
11 Preparation
12 Activity 1
13 Activity 2
14 Activity 3
16 Submission
16 Disposal and Cleanup
17 Lab Worksheet
Background
Soil Horizons and Chemical Composition
The type of dirt that makes up the dry
surfaces of the earth has numerous effects on
humans and the environment, and vice versa.
Humans can modify the suitability of some
areas for agriculture based on prior land use.
The properties of soil also determine water
availability in a given area. Areas that contain the
most suitable soil for farming are often limited.
Certain properties of soil determine whether
an area is suitable for human activity. When
considering the properties of soil, its texture,
shape, particle aggregation, and suitability for
growth come to mind. These properties all play
a major role in determining the capability of an
area to retain water and air, which are necessary
f ...
This document provides an overview of soil, including its definition, formation, profile, components, types, properties, and human impacts. It defines soil as the organic and inorganic material on the surface of the earth that provides the medium for plant growth. The key factors that influence soil formation are climate, parent material, topography, biota, and time. The four main soil components are minerals, air, water, and organic material. Common soil types include sand, silt, clay and loam. Human activities like erosion, desertification, acidification, deforestation, and salinization can degrade soils.
Soil can be broadly classified into sandy soil, clayey soil, and loamy soil based on their composition. Sandy soil contains large sand particles and is well-aerated but cannot hold much water or nutrients. Clayey soil contains small clay particles, traps little air, and can hold water and nutrients well but is difficult to plough. Loamy soil has the right proportions of sand, silt, and clay, and has good aeration and water and nutrient holding capacities and can be ploughed easily. Soil erosion occurs when topsoil is removed by forces like wind, water, or overgrazing, and can lead to issues like floods, famines and landslides. Protecting soil from erosion requires maintaining veget
Soil texture and color are two important physical properties of soil. Texture, determined by particle size, affects water holding capacity and drainage. Color provides clues to nutrient levels, with darker soils generally more fertile. The three main soil types formed from weathered rock are sand, silt and clay. Sand has large pores and drains quickly but holds few nutrients. Clay has small pores, drains slowly but retains water and nutrients well. Loam, an ideal soil for growing plants, is a mixture of sand, silt, clay and decomposed organic matter called humus.
Soil is formed by the weathering of rock and consists of particles ranging in size from clay to gravel. The main types of soil particles are sand, silt, and clay, which determine the soil texture. Sandy soil has the largest particles and best drainage, while clay soil is sticky and poorly drained. Loam soil contains a mixture of particles that makes it fertile for planting. Several classification systems exist to categorize soils based on particle size and other properties.
Soil Science Simplified.ppt #soil science #fundamentals of sailajaysaini99283371
This document provides an introduction to basic soil properties and formation factors. It discusses why soil is an important resource, noting its role in plant growth, water filtration, gas exchange, and historical record. The document then covers physical soil properties like texture, structure, pore space, temperature, and color. It describes the components that make up soil, such as sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. It also explains methods for determining properties like texture, using the soil texture triangle and Munsell color system.
This document discusses building materials used in rural construction before independence. It describes materials like mud, lime, bamboo, stone, clay bricks, coconut leaves, jute and palm leaves that were commonly used. It then provides details on soil as a building material, including its formation, classification systems, properties and various tests conducted on soil.
This document discusses various physical properties of soils including soil texture, structure, density, porosity, colour, and consistence. Soil texture refers to the relative proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in a soil. Soil structure describes the arrangement of these primary particles. Other properties discussed include bulk density, pore space, factors influencing colour, and Atterberg limits which characterize a soil's plasticity.
This document discusses various physical properties of soils including soil texture, structure, density, porosity, colour, and consistence. Soil texture refers to the relative proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in a soil. Soil structure describes the arrangement of these primary particles. Other properties discussed include bulk density, pore space, factors influencing colour, and Atterberg limits which characterize a soil's plasticity.
This document summarizes several key physical properties of soil: soil texture refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay and is estimated using feel or sedimentation methods; soil structure describes how primary particles are aggregated and affects properties like aeration; soil density measures bulk density and particle density which impact water and air movement; porosity refers to pore space between particles and influences moisture and gas exchange; consistence describes soil cohesion at different moisture levels; and soil color provides clues about drainage conditions and chemical processes from hue, value, and chroma measured using a Munsell chart.
Exposes the elementary science student to the idea there are three major kinds of soil found on earth as well as the very important remains of dead plants and animals called humus. Discusses soil and humus along with as some of the properties of each.
Chemistry of Soil. Layer composition factors etcmiraronald16
Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, air and water that forms from the weathering of rock and decay of organic material. Soil chemistry focuses on chemical reactions in soil and the fate of contaminants and nutrients, allowing scientists to monitor pollution effects. Soil formation is influenced by climate, organisms, topography, the underlying parent material, and time. These factors work together over long periods to break down parent material and produce distinct soil layers with varying compositions.
Microbes play an essential role in soil properties and plant growth. They are responsible for decomposing organic matter, fixing nitrogen, and managing soil stability through various biochemical processes. The four main types of microbes found in soil are bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and algae. Each group serves important functions like nutrient cycling, organic matter breakdown, and maintaining balances in the soil environment. Microbes also influence soil structure by producing compounds that bind soil particles together and form stable aggregates.
This document discusses soil texture, structure, and water content. It defines soil texture as the percentage of sand, silt, and clay particles in soil. Soil structure refers to how these particles are arranged. Ideal soil structure for plant growth is crumb-like, as seen in loam soils. The document also explains how soil texture and structure impact water retention, aeration, and root growth. It defines several terms related to soil water content, including field capacity and permanent wilting point, and stresses the importance of balancing air and water for healthy plant growth.
The document discusses the components and properties of soil. It describes the origins of soil parent material as being residual, transported, or cumulose. Soil develops layers over time from weathering of parent materials. Soil consists of solids, liquids, and gases, with mineral matter, organic matter, water, and air making up its volume. Key properties of soil discussed include color, texture, structure, consistence, and fertility/productivity. Texture refers to particle size and affects water holding and workability. Structure and consistence influence aeration and drainage.
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إضغ بين إيديكم من أقوى الملازم التي صممتها
ملزمة تشريح الجهاز الهيكلي (نظري 3)
💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
تتميز هذهِ الملزمة بعِدة مُميزات :
1- مُترجمة ترجمة تُناسب جميع المستويات
2- تحتوي على 78 رسم توضيحي لكل كلمة موجودة بالملزمة (لكل كلمة !!!!)
#فهم_ماكو_درخ
3- دقة الكتابة والصور عالية جداً جداً جداً
4- هُنالك بعض المعلومات تم توضيحها بشكل تفصيلي جداً (تُعتبر لدى الطالب أو الطالبة بإنها معلومات مُبهمة ومع ذلك تم توضيح هذهِ المعلومات المُبهمة بشكل تفصيلي جداً
5- الملزمة تشرح نفسها ب نفسها بس تكلك تعال اقراني
6- تحتوي الملزمة في اول سلايد على خارطة تتضمن جميع تفرُعات معلومات الجهاز الهيكلي المذكورة في هذهِ الملزمة
واخيراً هذهِ الملزمة حلالٌ عليكم وإتمنى منكم إن تدعولي بالخير والصحة والعافية فقط
كل التوفيق زملائي وزميلاتي ، زميلكم محمد الذهبي 💊💊
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Andreas Schleicher presents PISA 2022 Volume III - Creative Thinking - 18 Jun...EduSkills OECD
Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education and Skills at the OECD presents at the launch of PISA 2022 Volume III - Creative Minds, Creative Schools on 18 June 2024.
Leveraging Generative AI to Drive Nonprofit InnovationTechSoup
In this webinar, participants learned how to utilize Generative AI to streamline operations and elevate member engagement. Amazon Web Service experts provided a customer specific use cases and dived into low/no-code tools that are quick and easy to deploy through Amazon Web Service (AWS.)
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering.pptxDenish Jangid
Chapter wise All Notes of First year Basic Civil Engineering
Syllabus
Chapter-1
Introduction to objective, scope and outcome the subject
Chapter 2
Introduction: Scope and Specialization of Civil Engineering, Role of civil Engineer in Society, Impact of infrastructural development on economy of country.
Chapter 3
Surveying: Object Principles & Types of Surveying; Site Plans, Plans & Maps; Scales & Unit of different Measurements.
Linear Measurements: Instruments used. Linear Measurement by Tape, Ranging out Survey Lines and overcoming Obstructions; Measurements on sloping ground; Tape corrections, conventional symbols. Angular Measurements: Instruments used; Introduction to Compass Surveying, Bearings and Longitude & Latitude of a Line, Introduction to total station.
Levelling: Instrument used Object of levelling, Methods of levelling in brief, and Contour maps.
Chapter 4
Buildings: Selection of site for Buildings, Layout of Building Plan, Types of buildings, Plinth area, carpet area, floor space index, Introduction to building byelaws, concept of sun light & ventilation. Components of Buildings & their functions, Basic concept of R.C.C., Introduction to types of foundation
Chapter 5
Transportation: Introduction to Transportation Engineering; Traffic and Road Safety: Types and Characteristics of Various Modes of Transportation; Various Road Traffic Signs, Causes of Accidents and Road Safety Measures.
Chapter 6
Environmental Engineering: Environmental Pollution, Environmental Acts and Regulations, Functional Concepts of Ecology, Basics of Species, Biodiversity, Ecosystem, Hydrological Cycle; Chemical Cycles: Carbon, Nitrogen & Phosphorus; Energy Flow in Ecosystems.
Water Pollution: Water Quality standards, Introduction to Treatment & Disposal of Waste Water. Reuse and Saving of Water, Rain Water Harvesting. Solid Waste Management: Classification of Solid Waste, Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Solid. Recycling of Solid Waste: Energy Recovery, Sanitary Landfill, On-Site Sanitation. Air & Noise Pollution: Primary and Secondary air pollutants, Harmful effects of Air Pollution, Control of Air Pollution. . Noise Pollution Harmful Effects of noise pollution, control of noise pollution, Global warming & Climate Change, Ozone depletion, Greenhouse effect
Text Books:
1. Palancharmy, Basic Civil Engineering, McGraw Hill publishers.
2. Satheesh Gopi, Basic Civil Engineering, Pearson Publishers.
3. Ketki Rangwala Dalal, Essentials of Civil Engineering, Charotar Publishing House.
4. BCP, Surveying volume 1
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Physical Properties of Soils
Technical Report · February 2017
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.24150.24648
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2. 1
Physical Properties of Soils
By
Prof. A. Balasubramanian
Centre for Advanced Studies in Earth Science,
University of Mysore,
Objectives:
A soil is composed primarily of minerals which are derived from parent material like rocks. Most of
the mineral particles present in soils are composed of sand, silt, or clay. There are many
characteristics that differentiate one soil from another. The study of the chemical and physical
properties of soil helps in managing resources while working with a particular kind of soil. Not all
soils have similar properties. To work with soils, we need to understand the properties of soils. The
objective of this lesson is to understand the physical properties of soils, which are mainly playing the
dominant role in soil classification and types. It is also necessary to know about the significant role
played by different physical properties in soils for various purposes, right from agriculture to
engineering constructions.
1. Introduction:
Soil properties can broadly be divided into two major categories as physical and chemical properties.
Soils are characterised by several physical properties.
The important ones are:
(1) Soil separates and texture,
(2) Structure of soil,
(3) Weight and soil density,
(4) Porosity of soil,
(5) Permeability of soil,
(6) Soil colour,
(7) Temperature of soil, and
(8) Soil Plasticity, Compressibility and Erodibility.
2. Soil Separates:
The major part of soils is the mineral components(soil mineralogy). Mineral fraction of soil consists
of particles of various sizes. According to their size, soil particles are grouped into the following
types:
Coarse particles or gravels( more than 2 mm diameters)
Coarse sands( 2 to 0.2 mm dia)
Fine sands(0.2 to 0.02 mm dia)
Silts(0.02 to 0.002 mm dia)
Clays( below 0.002mm dia)
The particle sizes of above groups are suggested by International Society of Soil Science.
In India, this International system of particle classification is commonly followed.
The particle types are generally called ‘soil separates’ or ‘soil fractions’.
The amount of soil separates is determined by a process known as mechanical analysis.
In this process, soil sample is crushed and screened through a 2 mm round hole sieve.
The screened soil is then homogeneously dispersed in water and allowed to settle.
In suspension, particles of largest dimensions will settle first and those of smaller dimensions will
settle afterwards.
3. 2
Individual soil separates are identified on the basis of their respective diameter ranges.
Soil separates (sand, silt and clay) differ not only in their sizes but also in their bearing on some of the
important factors affecting plant growth, such as, soil aeration, workability, movement and
availability of water and nutrients.
3. Characteristics of soil separates :
Sand: Any loose and friable mineral particles ranging from 2.203 to 0.02 mm diameter are called as
sands.
Sand particles can be seen by unaided eye. These particles, although inactive, constitute the
framework of the soil.
They play less important role in physicochemical activities.
When coated with clay, these sand particles play an active role in chemical reactions.
Sands increase the size of pore spaces between soil particles and thus, facilitate the movement of air
and water in the soil.
Silt:
The soil mineral particles ranging from 0.02 to 0.002 mm diameter are called as silts. This is an
intermediate size between sand and clay. Silt, when wet, feels plastic but in dry state feels like flour
or talcum powder. Coarse silt shows little physicochemical activities but finer grades play important
role in some chemical processes. Silty soil has got larger exposed surface area than the sandy soil.
Silty soils contain sufficient quantities of nutrients, both organic and inorganic. That is why they are
very fertile masses. Soils rich in silt possess high water holding capacity also.Such soils are good for
agriculture.
Clay:
This is an important soil fraction containing smaller mineral particles that are below .002 mm
diameter.
Clays exhibit plasticity and smoothness when wet and hardness when dry.
Due to their very small sizes, they behave like colloids.
Owing to their smallest size and colloidal nature, the clay particles expose extremely large surface
area.
They take very active part in several physicochemical reactions of the soil.
Clay soils have fine pores, poor drainage and aeration and thus they have highest water holding
capacity.
The clay acts as store house for water and nutrients.
Clays are also having coarser and finer size grades. Some soils are fine, while others are coarse.
Sand-Silt-Clay distribution in soils:
It is a fact that the relative percentage of sand, silt and clay differ from soil to soil.
4. Soil Textures:
The relative percentage of soil separates of a given soil is referred to as soil texture.
Texture of soil for a given horizon is almost a permanent character, because it remains unchanged
over a long period of time.
The relative percentages of soil separates of average samples are almost infinite in possible
combinations.
It is, therefore, necessary to establish limits of variations among soil fractions so as to group them into
textural classes.
Soil texture is the "feel" of the soil when a moist quantity is manipulated between thumb and
forefinger.
4. 3
Some soils are sticky, others will not stick together at all, and others feel "doughy" or "spongey".
Some soils can be manipulated like plasticine.
These differences in properties gave rise, in agriculture, to soils being called clays, loams or sands.
Clays stick to your boots, loams are easily moulded but non-sticky, sands are not cohesive at all and
cannot be moulded when moist.
There are 19 grades of texture that can be simplified into six major groups:
Sands, Sandy Loams, Loams, Clay Loams, Light Clays and Medium to Heavy Clays.
These texture differences are the result of fineness or coarseness of particles in the soil.
Sand, silt and clay percentages are related together in a triangular graph.
The graph shows groupings of soils and the name that is given to that grouping.
So, silty soils always have more than 25 % of silt sized particles (organic material makes soils feel
silky and therefore more silty).
The loams all have less than 40 % clay sized particles.
When moist soil is manipulated in the hand, sands, loams and clays feel very different.
5. The effect of particle size
The relative size of particles is important.
For example, the finest sand particles are 10 times the diameter of the largest clay particles.
The surface area of a spherical particle 0.02 mm diameter is 100 times greater than a spherical particle
of 0.002 mm diameter.
Clays have an even greater surface area than spherical particles are they are made up of sheet-like
structures stacked together.
This difference in surface area contributes to the differences in adhesion and cohesion of the texture
groups.
Figure 1. Texture triangle
6. How do sands, loams and clays behave?
Sands because of their large grain size allow faster permeability of water than clays.
The disadvantages of sands are that they hold very little water that would be available to plants and
have no ability to hold onto plant nutrients in the way that clays do.
Loam soils contain sand, silt and clay in such proportions that stickyness and non-adhesiveness are in
balance - so the soils are mouldable but not sticky.
Loams are the "friendliest" soils to cultivate.
Clays can absorb and hold onto large amounts of water because of their sheet structure and large
surface area.
This property causes the swelling and shrinking of clay soils as they wet and dry.
Clays are therefore also important in generating cracks in soil through which roots can easily pass.
Of course, when clays are wet and swollen soil drainage is affected and water cannot pass freely.
The surfaces and edges of the sheet structure of clay particles carry negative and positive charges.
Elements such as Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium are held on these charged surfaces and can be
taken up in solution by plant roots.
Clays therefore play an important role in soil fertility.
7. Influences on soil texture:
Medium and coarse sand=Easily felt
Fine sand=Felt and heard by manipulating the soil close to the ear
Silt=Silky or smooth feeling similar to that of talcum powder
Clay=Stocky, cohesive and plastic
Clay type=Clay mineralogy affects trafficability. Montmorillonite is very fine and encourages
ribboning. Kaolinite is very coarse and will inhibit ribboning
5. 4
Organic matter=Cohesion of sandy textures and greasiness of clays
Oxides=Cementation (Al & Fe) masks fine textures
Carbonates=Cohesion in sands and loams, but inhibits ribboning in clays
Organic matter is an important contributor to soil texture and helps to ameliorate stickiness and also
helps sandy soils hang together, making them feel more loamy.
8. The common textural classes, as recognized by USDA:
The common textural classes, as recognized by USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) are given in
the following table. These classes are recognized on the basis of relative percentage of separates;
sand, silt and clay.
This chart is adapted from fraction system of U.S.D.A.
If the relative percentages of soil separates are known, the soil can be given textural name.
For this purpose, an equilateral triangle graph is used.
The most widely used Equilateral triangles are international equilateral triangle and the one used by
USDA.
These consist of three angles and its area is divided into twelve groups representing twelve different
textural classes.
Each group covers definite range of percentages of sand, silt, and clay.
In the triangles, left side line represents the clay %, right side line represents percentage of silt and
base represents percentage of sand.
Each arm of the triangle is divided into ten divisions representing soil separate’s percentage.
These divisions are further divided into ten small divisions; each small division represents one per
cent of soil separate.
The percentages of sand, silt, and clay obtained after mechanical analysis of the given soil are read on
the equilateral triangle.
In using the diagram as indicated the percentages of silt and clay should be located on silt and clay
lines respectively.
The line in case of silt is then projected inward parallel to clay side of the triangle and in case of clay
it should be projected parallel to the sand side.
The three lines; one representing sand percentage, other representing silt percentage and the third clay
percentage meet at a point in the triangle.
The compartment in which the point falls indicates textural name for the given soil sample.
The knowledge of soil texture is of great help in the classification of soil and in determination of
degree of weathering of rock.
9. Structure of Soil:
Sand, silt and clay are found in aggregated form.
The arrangement of these soil particles on certain defined patterns is called as soil structure.
The natural aggregates of soil particles are clod peds whereas an artificially formed soil mass is called
clod.
Ped differs from fragment because the latter refers to the broken ped.
Ped differs from concretion in the sense that the latter is formed in the soil by precipitation of salts
dissolved in percolating water.
Soil structure also reveals the colour, texture and chemical composition of soil aggregates.
Soil structure is influenced by air moisture, organic matter, micro-organisms and root growth.
When many particles or peds are aggregated into cluster, a compound particle is formed.
10. Describing Soil Structure
Soil structure is described under the following three categories: as type, size and grade.
A. Type:
6. 5
This indicates the shapes or forms and arrangement of peds. Peds may be of various shapes, such as
granular, crumb, angular blocky, sub angular blocky, platy and prismatic. Different types of peds and
their properties:
B. Size Class:
These are as follows:
(i) Very fine or very thin
(ii) Fine or thin
(iii) Medium
(iv) Coarse or thick
(v) Very coarse or very thick
C. Grade:
This indicates the degree of distinctness of peds.
Soil structure is described under the following four categories:
(i) Structure less:
Peds not distinct, i.e., cement or sand like condition.
(ii) Weak:
Peds distinct and rarely durable.
(iii) Moderate:
Peds moderately well developed, fairly durable and distinct.
(iv) Strong:
Peds well developed, quite durable and distinct.
11. Soil Density and Soil Weight:
Density of soil is the mass per unit volume.
It is expressed in terms of gm per cubic centimeter.
Average density of the soil is 2.65 gms per cubic centimeter.
Density of soil varies greatly depending upon the degree of weathering.
For this reason soil density is expressed in two generally accepted forms:
(i) Particle density or true density; and
(ii) Bulk density.
(i) Particle density:
Density of solid portion of soil is called particle density.
It is sum total of densities of individual organic and inorganic particles.
Average particle density of organic soil varies from 1.2 to 1.7 gms per ml. and that of inorganic
fraction varies from 2.6 to 2 78 gms/ ml.
Particle density may be calculated as: weight of solids / volume of soils.
Particle density divided by density of water gives the specific gravity or relative weight number.
Specific gravity of soil particles = Particle density /density of water.
(ii) Bulk density or apparent density:
Dry weight of unit volume of soil inclusive of pore spaces is called bulk density. It is expressed in
terms of gm per ml or lbs per cubic foot. It is lesser than the particle density of the soil.
Bulk density of soil may be calculated as: weight of soil/ volume of soil.
Bulk density of the soil divided by density of water gives volume weight or apparent specific gravity
of soil.
Bulk density of soil changes with the change in total pore space present in the soil and it gives a good
estimate of the porosity of soil.
Average density of soil in bulk is 1 5 gm/ml.
7. 6
Organic soils have low bulk density as compared to mineral soils. Soil weight varies in relation to
textural classes. Average weight of loam or sandy soil is 80—110 pounds/cubic foot but that of clay
ranges between 70 and 100 pounds/cubic foot.
12. Porosity of Soil:
The spaces occupied by air and water between particles in a given volume of soil are called as pore
spaces.
The percentage of soil volume occupied by pore space or by the interstitial spaces is called as the
porosity of the soil. It depends upon the texture, structure, compactness and organic content of the
soil.
Porosity of the soil increases with the increase in the percentage of organic matter in the soil.
Porosity of soil also decreases as the soil particles become much smaller in their dimension because of
decrease in pore spaces. It also decreases with depth of the soil. The pore spaces are responsible for
better plant growth because they contain enough air and moisture.
Percentage of solids in soils can be determined by comparing bulk density and particle density and
multiplying by hundred. Depending upon the size pore spaces fall into two categories.
These are:(1) Micro-pore spaces (capillary pore spaces)
(2) Macro-pore spapes (non-capillary pore spaces)
Capillary pore spaces can hold more water and restrict the free movement of water and air in soil to a
considerable extent, whereas macro-pore spaces have little water holding capacity and allow free
movement of moisture and air in the soil under normal conditions.
13. Permeability of Soil:
The characteristic of soil that determines the movement of water through pore spaces is referred to as
soil permeability. Soil permeability, because it is directly dependent on the pore size, will be higher
for the soil with large number of macro-pore spaces than that for compact soil with a large number of
micro-pore spaces (capillary spaces). Permeability of soil also varies with moisture status and usually
decreases with the gradual desiccation of soil. In the arid regions, groundwater moves upwardly
through capillary action and bring sodium, potassium and calcium salts with it in dissolved state on
the surface of soil. The water evaporates and inorganic salts precipitate on the surface of the soil.
As a result of this, the soil becomes less permeable and the productive capacity of soil is reduced.
14. Soil Colour:
Soils exhibit a variety of colours.
Soil colour may be inherited from the parental material (Le., lithochromic) or sometimes it may be
due to soil forming processes {acquired or genetic colour).
The variations in the soil colour are due to organic substances, iron compounds, silica, lime and other
inorganic compounds.
The organic substances impart black or dark greyish-black colour to the soil. Iron compounds are
responsible for brown, red and yellow colours of soils.
Iron oxides in combination with organic substances impart brown colour which is most common soil
colour.
Silica, lime and some other inorganic compounds give light white and grey tinges to the soil.
Soil color is typically described using some form of color reference chart, such as the Munsell Color
Chart. Using the Munsell system, color is described in reference to the color’s “hue”, “value”, and
“chroma”.
Hue describes where in the color spectrum the soil color exists, which for soils includes the colors
yellow, red, blue, green, and gray. Value describes the lightness of the color. Chroma indicates the
strength of the color.
8. 7
The variations in the soil colour are due to organic substances, iron compounds, silica, lime and other
inorganic compounds.
The organic substances impart black or dark greyish-black colour to the soil. Iron compounds are
responsible for brown, red and yellow colours of soils.
Iron oxides in combination with organic substances impart brown colour which is most common soil
colour.
In well aerated soils, oxidized or ferric (Fe+3) iron compounds are responsible for the brown, yellow,
and red colors you see in the soil.
When iron is reduced to the ferrous (Fe+2) form, it becomes mobile, and can be removed from certain
areas of the soil.
When the iron is removed, a gray color remains, or the reduced iron color persists in shades of green
or blue.
Silica, lime and some other inorganic compounds give light white and grey tinges to the soil.
Soil colour influences greatly the soil temperature.
The dark coloured soils absorb heat mort readily than light coloured soils.
The black cotton soil absorbs 86% of the total solar radiations falling on the soil surface as against
40% by the grey alluvial soil.
Soil colour is used as an important criterion for description and classification of soil.
Many soils are named after their prominent colours, such as black cotton soil, red-yellow latosol, grey
hydromorphic soils and so on.
15. Soil Temperature:
The chief sources of soil heat are solar radiations and heat generated in the decomposition of dead
organic matters in the soil and heat formed in the interior of earth. The soil temperature greatly affects
the physico-chemical and biological processes of the soil.
Temperature of soil depends upon the temperature of atmospheric air and on moisture content. It is
controlled by climate, colour of soil, slope, and altitude of the land and also by vegetational cover of
the soil.
The average annual temperature of soil is generally higher than that of its surrounding atmosphere.
Surface temperature of soil shows considerable fluctuations but soil temperature below certain depth
remains more or less constant and is not affected by diurnal or regional temperature changes.
16. Soil plasticity :
Soil plasticity is a property that enables the moist soil to change shape when some force is applied
over it and to retain this shape even after the removal of the force from it. The plasticity of soil
depends on the cohesion and adhesion of soil materials. Cohesion refers to the attraction of substances
of like characteristics, such as, that of one water molecule for another. Adhesion refers to the
attraction of substances of unlike characteristics.
Soil consistency depends on the texture and amount of inorganic and organic colloids, structure and
moisture contents of soil.
17. Compressibility:
It refers to the tendency of soil to consolidate or decrease in volume. The compressibility is partly a
function of elastic nature of soil particles and is directly related to settlement of structures. With the
decrease in the moisture contents soils gradually tend to become less sticky and less plastic and finally
they become hard and coherent. Plastic soils have great cohesion force. It is only because of cohesion
property the moist clay soils frequently develop cracks when they become dried.
Coarse materials such as gravels and sands have low compressibility and the settlement is
considerably less in these materials as compared to highly compressible fine grained organic soils.
9. 8
18. Erodibility:
It refers to the ease with which soil materials can be removed by wind or water. Easily eroded
materials include unprotected silt, sand and other loosely consolidated materials, Cohesive soils (with
more than 20% clay) and naturally cemented soils are not easily removed from its place by wind or
water and, therefore, have a low erosion factor.
Conclusion:
Soils contain a lot of mineral and organic constituents. Soil types are described according to these
main constituents. A soil with a lot of sand is called as a sandy soil; soil with a lot of clay is called as
a clay soil; and soil with a lot of organic material is called as an organic soil. Along with soil
structure , the texture of soil is also important to determine the water-holding capacity, water
movement, and the amount and movement of soil air in a given soil. All of these physical properties
are very important to the health and type of plants and other organisms that can exist in a particular
soil. The physical properties of soils is a major aspect of study in soil science, civil engineering and
agricultural engineering.
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