Soil density: how is the table indicated, what is the specific gravity value
Properties of the fertile layer of the Earth have long interested people. The science that deals with this is called soil science. Specialists study the physical and chemical parameters of the soil, the differences in fertile soil depending on the territorial weather and other conditions. The value of soil density is one of the important physical parameters, the determination of which is necessary for soil cultivation, construction, road works, and other activities.
Why do you need to know the density of the soil
The indicator is taken into account when carrying out engineering and geological work in construction, when repairing and laying roads, various communications, in agriculture when assessing land fertility.You need to know it when determining the type of foundation for new buildings, it affects the choice of material during the work, determines the possible financial and physical costs.
The parameter is important when developing new mineral deposits, designing gas and oil pipelines. The indicator is used in determining the vegetation potential of areas occupied by cultivated plants. After all, focusing on the fertility of the land, taking into account all the important components (including density), farmers plan to plant crops in the region.
The value of the specific gravity of the soil is the weight of a unit of soil in its natural state, taking into account moisture, porosity, and the main rock in the composition. Soil density is a conditionally constant value, it decreases immediately after processing the fertile layer (digging, harrowing, loosening), after some time returning to normal values. The level of costs in the processing of agricultural areas depends on this indicator (type and type of equipment, costs for fuels and lubricants, depreciation costs).
To reduce the density, the earth is mixed with sand, peat, green manure plants are planted. Oats, vetch, sweet clover will help to make the soil loose on the site.
Soil Density Chart
Soil density is the ratio of the total mass of the soil sample taken, with its natural structure and moisture, to the volume occupied by the sample. It depends on the composition of the soil, its porosity and moisture content. It is measured in kilograms/cubic meter. Denoted by the Greek letter p (ro).
Average values for a particular variety are the average soil density. The value of bulk density must be known, for example, when buying land for a summer cottage. Bulk density is the ratio of loose material to the occupied volume, with a free arrangement in the tank. The solid phase of the rock, without taking into account the organic component, is called the skeleton.
| Soil type | Density kilogram/cubic meter |
| 1900-2000 | |
| 1600-1900 | |
| 1500-1800 | |
| 1400-1700 | |
| 1200-1600 | Vegetable dry land, including chernozem |
| Peat | |
When buying a plot, it is necessary to take into account the mineralogical composition of the soil, the thickness of the fertile layer, the level of acidity. For example, sand does not retain heat and moisture well, clay soils are difficult to cultivate, they absorb a significant amount of water and do not pass air well.
How it is calculated
The parameter is measured in laboratory or field conditions. The easiest way to determine the density of the fertile layer in a summer cottage:
- you need to take a bucket with a capacity of 10 liters;
- weigh blank;
- fill it with earth from the site to the brim, without tamping the soil;
- weigh;
- calculate the weight of the soil, subtracting the mass of the empty bucket from the resulting value.
If the weight is in the range of 10-15 kilograms - the land on the site is of high quality. The method is not accurate, it allows you to get an idea of the degree of density of the earth. Accurate measurements will require the use of instruments and laboratory methods.
It is convenient to calculate the indicator using mechanical and ultrasonic penetrometers.This is a device for measuring soil density in the field. The probe of the device is inserted into the dry uncultivated earth in several places on the site. The display indicator will show the density of soil particles in feet per square inch. Several measurements are taken at each site. Record average readings.
The ultrasonic device is the most accurate, it transmits readings when immersed in the soil, every 2.5 centimeters. The device additionally remembers the coordinates of the area. All readings are entered into the memory of the penetrometer, and with the help of a USB cable, the data is transferred to a computer.
In laboratory practice, the method of "cut cylinders" is used. Samples are taken without violating the integrity of the fertile layer. Samples are transported in cylinders 10 centimeters high and 5 centimeters in diameter.
Soil samples are delivered to the laboratory, weighed, dried at a temperature of +100-105 °C for 6 hours. Then repeat the weighing of dry soil. The calculation is made according to the formula: dv=m:v, where m is the mass of dried soil, and V is the volume of the cylinder.
When choosing areas for planting, it should be taken into account that soil density from 0.9 to 1.4 is suitable for growing plants, heavier soils are not suitable for this purpose.
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