Soil structure: characteristics and which is considered the best, what it depends on
Under the structure of the soil understand the ability of the earth to disintegrate into separate mechanical elements, that is, structural aggregates. The soil is of two types - structural and structureless. Depending on this, other types are distinguished, which differ in characteristics. It should be borne in mind that it is the structural soil that is characterized by high fertility rates.
What is the structure of the soil, and what is considered the best
There are two concepts - the structure and structure of the soil. Structure - the shape, size and arrangement of individual particles into which the soil breaks up. Structurality - the ability of the earth to break up into aggregates, the size and shape of which differ depending on the type of structure.
The individual parts of the soil are called aggregates, which are a natural constituent of the soil. Formed by smaller aggregates or soil particles under the influence of a physical, chemical, physico-chemical or biological process.
Characterization of soil structure types:
| Type name | Description |
| Aggregates that have the same shape along three axes. There are such types of cubic soil: |
blocky (lumps with poorly defined corners, edges larger than 5 cm); · lumpy (aggregates with the same characteristics as the lumpy species, but the volume is between 5 and 0.5 mm); Nutty (aggregates differ in pronounced corners, edges, the volume of which ranges from 20 to 5 mm); · granular (aggregates have the same characteristics as the previous species, but the shape is from 5 to 0.5 mm). |
| The units are developed along the vertical axis. There are several types: columnar (irregular in shape, with weakly pronounced edges and ribs), columnar (with a rounded top and a flat base), prismatic (with flat, glossy edges and sharp ribs). | |
| The units are developed along two horizontal axes and shortened vertically. There are platy (layered with developed horizontal cleavage planes) and scaly (with upwardly curved planes and often sharp ribs). |
The best option for agriculture is the lumpy structure of the soil. This is due to the fact that the composition includes different sizes of units. Land of this kind can be cultivated without any problems.
On what depends
The structure of the soil directly depends on:
- from mechanical composition;
- from the amount of humus;
- from the ability to absorb and retain liquid, as well as supply water to the surface.
Depending on the mechanical composition of the soil, there are clay, loamy, sandy loam, peat bogs. To determine the composition, it is necessary to take soil from the site.
What influences
The structure of the soil affects the penetration of oxygen to the root system of plants, the retention of fluid, as well as the development of beneficial microorganisms. Aggregate size can also affect yield. Optimal for the development of crops is the one in which particles are predominantly from 0.25 to 7-10 mm in size.
Methods for defining a structure
Dry screening or sieve analysis is used to determine soil structure. This technique helps to determine the percentage of fractions in the material, which consists of particles of a certain shape.
The analysis is carried out by sifting the material through a set of standard sieves, which differ in size. The cells in the sieve are square or rectangular in shape. The lower the sieve is, the smaller the cells. Soil particles smaller than the mesh size pass down to the next sieve, while larger particles are trapped at the top. For analysis, 5-15 sieves can be used. It must be remembered that the number of fractions is always one more than the number of sieves.
Sieves are made of wire or thread. But they can be found from a metal lattice. Small nickel foil sieves are used to screen out fine particles. Such sieves have cells of a square size and expand towards the bottom. This eliminates clogging.
Dry screening method is carried out manually or mechanically. The determination can also be carried out by dry or wet methods. Everything will depend on the size and properties of the soil, the required accuracy of the analysis.
The content of fractions is calculated by the ratio of the fraction to the sample taken. The unfavorable agrophysical state of the soil structure indicates the presence of large and very small aggregates. Particles from 10 to 0.25 mm are recognized as the most important, as they give the soil fertility to the structure. Therefore, they are called agronomically valuable.
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