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9c-Soil Structure

Soil science

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nagendras73488
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6 views

9c-Soil Structure

Soil science

Uploaded by

nagendras73488
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SOIL STRUCTURE:-

Soil structure refers to the way soil particles


group together to form aggregates (or peds).
These aggregates vary in size and shape from
small crumbs through to large blocks.
Some soils resemble a large, solid,
featureless mass—referred to as massive—
and have little or no structure. For example,
very sandy soils have no structure because
sand grains do not cling together.
Good soils fit in between the two extremes.
A well-structured soil breaks up easily into peds
with a definite shape (such as granular or blocky)
and size (1–60mm).
Good structure is important, as it allows
water to soak into the soil and excess water to
drain away. It also allows air movement through
the soil. Soil, air and water are vital for healthy
plant growth and nutrient supply
I.Types of soil structure

.
II. Classes Soil of soil structure :-
based on the size of the
individual peds.

1.Very fine or very thin (in case of platy structure)


2.Fine or thin
3.Medium
4.Coarse or thick (platy structure)
5.Very coarse or very thick
III. Grades of soil structure

Soil gradation is a classification of the particle size


distribution of a soil. Or degree of distinctness or durability
of individual peds.
1.Structureless- no visual ped or aggregates (massive )
2.Week- Poorly formed, nondurable
3.Moderate- Moderately well developed
4.Strong-Very well formed ped which are distinct and
durable

Coarse-grained soils, mainly gravels or sands, are


graded as either well graded or poorly graded.
Poorly graded soils are further divided into
uniformly-graded or gap-graded soils. Fine-grained
soils, mainly silts and clays, are classified according
Poor graded Well graded
Poor graded :-
Contains a - large portion of uniformly sized
particles. This particular soil has larger voids
in its structure and poor strength along with
high permeability permeability.

Well
graded:-
Contains particles of a wide range of sizes. The
smaller particles fill the spaces left between the
larger particles; therefore the soil has greater
strength than a poorly graded soil, and lower
permeability
What are the importance of soil structures?

Soil structure refers to the way in


which individual soil particles (sand,
silt, and clay) are grouped together
into aggregates or peds. The
importance of soil structure cannot
be overstated, as it plays a crucial
role in various aspects of soil health,
fertility, and productivity
Here are some key reasons why
soil structure is important:-

Water Infiltration and Retention


Aeration
Root Growth

Nutrient Availability

Soil Erosion

Microbial Activity

Crop Productivity
Soil Compaction

Tillage and Farming


Practices
.
1.Water Infiltration and Retention:
Soil structure influences the ability of
water to infiltrate the soil and be stored
within it. Well-structured soils have pores
of various sizes that allow water to
penetrate the soil profile and be held for
plant use.
2.Aeration: Soil structure affects the
amount of air present in the soil.
Proper soil structure ensures that
there is sufficient oxygen in the soil
for root respiration and microbial
activity.
3.Root Growth: Soil structure
impacts root penetration and growth.
Soil with good structure allows roots
to penetrate easily, access nutrients,
and anchor plants securely.
4.Nutrient Availability: Soil structure
influences the availability of nutrients to
plants. Well-structured soils have a larger
surface area for nutrient adsorption and
exchange, which can improve nutrient
availability for plant uptake.
5.Soil Erosion: Soil structure plays a role
in preventing soil erosion. Soils with good
structure are less prone to erosion by water
or wind, as the aggregates are more stable
and less likely to be washed or blown away
6.Microbial Activity: Soil structure
affects the habitat for soil microorganisms.
Microorganisms play a vital role in nutrient
cycling, decomposition of organic matter,
and soil fertility. A healthy soil structure
provides a conducive environment for
microbial activity.
7.Crop Productivity: The overall
productivity of a soil is closely tied to its
structure. Well-structured soils can
support healthy plant growth, leading to
higher crop yields and better overall
agricultural productivity.
8.Soil Compaction: Proper soil structure can
help prevent soil compaction, which can impede
root growth, water infiltration, and nutrient uptake
9.Tillage and Farming Practices:
Soil structure influences the effectiveness
of tillage practices and farming operations.
Maintaining good soil structure can reduce
the need for intensive tillage and help
preserve soil health in the long term.
In conclusion,
soil structure is a fundamental aspect
of soil health and plays a critical role in
supporting plant growth, nutrient
cycling, water retention, and overall
ecosystem functioning. It is essential for
sustainable agriculture and
environmental conservation efforts.
.

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