Laboratory Report 2: Soil Texture, Bulk density and Porosity
Introduction
Soil Texture
The classification of soil texture is determined by the percentage of each of the soil separates. Soil separates are mineral particles smaller than 2mm, and these particles are sand, silt and clay. These textures are separated by the size of the particles, with sand being the largest between 2mm and 0.05mm, silt at between 0.05mm and 0.002mm, and clay at <0.002mm. The size of the particles influences the porosity and other characteristics of the soil. The soil texture determines the fertility of the soil, its water holding capacity and how the soil can be managed.
The purpose of this lab was to become familiar with determining soil texture by using various methods.
Particle Density and Bulk Density
Particle density is the measure of the density of the soil solids, with no pore space. This is important as it helps increase understanding of the soil texture and helps to determine the bulk density and porosity. Bulk density is the measure of relative soil compaction, as expressed in total mass per total volume. This helps determine the porosity of the soil and how compacted the soil is. As the bulk density increases so too does the compaction of the soil and the porosity decreases. The purpose of the lab was to …show more content…
The soil sample exhumed was identified as clay. The soil in that location was found to have high soil compaction with a high bulk density and particle density, and a low infiltration rate. This means that little water can penetrate through the soil and plant life unable to prosper. While little plant life can thrive, the level of soil compaction does make it ideal for constructing buildings as the soil is stable. With there being a level slope and little water infiltration there is little erosion occurring, again making the soil ideal for the purpose it is currently intended which is
Introduction
Soil Texture
The classification of soil texture is determined by the percentage of each of the soil separates. Soil separates are mineral particles smaller than 2mm, and these particles are sand, silt and clay. These textures are separated by the size of the particles, with sand being the largest between 2mm and 0.05mm, silt at between 0.05mm and 0.002mm, and clay at <0.002mm. The size of the particles influences the porosity and other characteristics of the soil. The soil texture determines the fertility of the soil, its water holding capacity and how the soil can be managed.
The purpose of this lab was to become familiar with determining soil texture by using various methods.
Particle Density and Bulk Density
Particle density is the measure of the density of the soil solids, with no pore space. This is important as it helps increase understanding of the soil texture and helps to determine the bulk density and porosity. Bulk density is the measure of relative soil compaction, as expressed in total mass per total volume. This helps determine the porosity of the soil and how compacted the soil is. As the bulk density increases so too does the compaction of the soil and the porosity decreases. The purpose of the lab was to …show more content…
The soil sample exhumed was identified as clay. The soil in that location was found to have high soil compaction with a high bulk density and particle density, and a low infiltration rate. This means that little water can penetrate through the soil and plant life unable to prosper. While little plant life can thrive, the level of soil compaction does make it ideal for constructing buildings as the soil is stable. With there being a level slope and little water infiltration there is little erosion occurring, again making the soil ideal for the purpose it is currently intended which is