51 exer 3

Soil Structure

Describes the clustering of soil particles into aggregates of certain size, shape, and stability.

Bulk Density

An indirect measure of soil porosity and compaction; a calculation derived from the mass and volume of soil.

Particle Density

The mass of dry soil particles divided by their volume, exclusive of pores.

Soil Aggregation

The process by which soil particles cluster together to form aggregates, influenced by organic matter and binding agents.

Porosity

The fraction of soil volume that is occupied by air and water, expressed as a percentage of the total bulk volume.

Moisture Content

The amount of water contained in a soil sample, usually expressed as a percentage.

Core Method

A method used to determine bulk density by extracting a core sample of soil.

Infiltration

The process by which water enters the soil surface.

Percolation

The movement of water through soil layers, driven by gravity.

Aggregate Stability

The ability of soil aggregates to maintain their structure when subjected to forces such as water.

Fe/Al oxides

Compounds that can act as binding agents in soil, promoting aggregation.

Textural Effect

The influence of soil texture on its physical properties, including water retention and aeration.

Sieving

A method of separating soil particles based on size using a screen.

Density of an Object

The ratio of mass to volume, important for understanding soil properties.

Total Volume

The combined volume of soil solids and their pore spaces.

Percent Pore Space

Calculated as the percentage of space within a soil profile that is not occupied by solid material.

Distilled Water

Water that has been purified by boiling and condensation, used for various soil tests.