Soil physical and chemical properties

Soil Colour

A physical property of soil that gives clues to other important soil characteristics and is useful for soil classification.

Hue

A term in soil color description that refers to the type of color or shade present.

Value

A term in soil color description that refers to the lightness or darkness of the color.

Chroma

A term in soil color description that indicates the intensity or purity of the color.

Soil Texture

The relative proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in a soil sample.

Grain size distribution

The measurement of the proportions of different sized particles in soil.

Podzolization

A soil formation process characterized by leaching of iron and the development of distinct horizons.

Soil Structure

The arrangement of soil particles and the pore spaces between them into aggregates known as peds.

Peds

Aggregate structures in soil that influence porosity and water movement.

Bulk Density

The mass of soil per unit volume, including the air space within the soil.

Particle Density

The mass of soil particles per unit volume, excluding air space.

Soil Porosity

The volume of voids in soil that determines the amount of air and water it can hold.

Macropores

Larger soil pores that allow for water drainage and aeration.

Micropores

Smaller soil pores that retain water and nutrients.

Soil pH

A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil, affecting nutrient availability and microbial activity.

Redox Status

The oxidation-reduction status of soil, influencing mineral solubility and color.

Gleysols

Soils characterized by mottling due to saturation with water and anaerobic conditions.

Organic Matter

Material derived from the decomposition of plant and animal residues in soil, important for structure and nutrient content.

Soil Health

A measure of the soil's ability to function as a living system, contributing to environmental quality and plant productivity.