Physical Properties (Leaving Cert Agricultural Science): Flashcards
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What do physical properties of soil describe?
What do physical properties of soil describe?
The structural characteristics you can observe and measure
Soil structure
Soil structure
How soil particles group together to form aggregates
Loam soil
Loam soil
Ideal balance of sand, silt, and clay particles
Sand particles characteristic
Sand particles characteristic
Largest; good drainage but don't hold nutrients well
Clay particles characteristic
Clay particles characteristic
Smallest; hold water/nutrients but restrict drainage
Soil compaction
Soil compaction
Soil particles pressed together, reducing pore space
Organic matter (OM)
Organic matter (OM)
Decomposed plant/animal materials that improve soil structure
Erosion
Erosion
Loss of topsoil through wind or water action
Weathering
Weathering
Natural breakdown of rocks into soil particles
Healthy soil Total Pore Space (TPS)
Healthy soil Total Pore Space (TPS)
50-60%