The primary factors that affect soil structure include soil texture, organic matter content, moisture content, and biological activity. Soil texture refers to the proportions of sand, silt, and clay in the soil, which affect pore space and water holding capacity. Organic matter content can improve soil structure by binding soil particles together and creating pore space. Moisture content affects the cohesion between soil particles, and biological activity can enhance soil aggregation and porosity.
It is the parent material , the topographic position and hydrography and last but not least the existing climate. See also
SCHULER, U., BARITZ, R., WILLER, J., DIJKSHORN , K. and DILL, H.G. (2011) A revised approach to classify parent material for soil mapping.- e-SOTER Version 1.3 Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), 129 pp.
DILL, H.G. (2016) Kaolin: soil, rock and ore From the mineral to the magmatic, sedimentary, and metamorphic environments.- Earth Sciences Reviews 161: 16-129.
DILL, H.G. (2017) Residual clay deposits on basement rocks: The impact of climate and the geological setting on supergene argillitization in the Bohemian Massif (Central Europe) and across the globe.- Earth Sciences Reviews 165: 1-58.
DILL, H.G., BALABAN, S.-I., FÜSSL, M., PÖLLMANN, H.,, BUZATU, A., (2022) Morphostratigraphy of landform series from the Late Cretaceous to the Quaternary. The “3 + 1” model of the quadripartite watershed system at the NW edge of the Bohemian Massif.- Geomorphology: 419, 108489 (41 pp).
HGD
Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates or clumps, which can have a significant impact on soil properties such as water infiltration, aeration, and nutrient availability. The primary factors that affect soil structure include: 1. Soil texture: The size and distribution of soil particles can greatly influence soil structure. Soils with a high proportion of clay particles tend to have better structure due to their ability to form strong bonds between particles, while soils with high sand content may have weaker structure due to the lack of cohesive forces. 2. Organic matter content: Organic matter plays an important role in soil structure by providing a source of food for soil organisms that help bind soil particles together. As organic matter decomposes, it releases sticky substances that can help hold soil particles together and improve soil structure. 3. Soil compaction: Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space and limiting the movement of air and water. This can lead to poor soil structure and reduced plant growth. 4. Water content: Soil structure can be greatly affected by changes in water content. When soils become too dry, they can become hard and compacted, while excessive moisture can lead to the breakdown of soil aggregates. 5. Tillage practices: Tillage practices such as plowing or tilling can disrupt soil structure by breaking up soil aggregates and exposing them to erosion. 6. Climate: Climate can also play a role in soil structure, as freeze-thaw cycles or heavy rainfall events can cause soil particles to shift and rearrange, leading to changes in soil structure. References :
1. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/health/structure/ 2. Soil Science Society of America - https://www.soils.org/discover-soils/soil-basics/soil-structure 3. FAO - http://www.fao.org/3/x5871e/x5871e05.htm
1. Texture: The proportion of sand, silt and clay particles in the soil will determine its permeability, aeration, drainage, and nutrition holding capacity. 2. Organic Matter: Organic matter acts as a glue-like material that binds together soil particles and helps to increase the soil structure and fertility. 3. Chemistry: Soil pH, nutrient content and salinity will all affect the extent to which soil particles form aggregates and crumbs.
4. Water: Temperature, moisture content, and the presence of excess or deficient water will all affect the soil structure.
5. Microorganisms: These include bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which create spaces in the soil for air and water to move through, preventing soil compaction and ultimately helping to maintain soil structure.
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Soil compaction: Soil compaction occurs when external pressure is applied to soil, causing the soil particles to be packed closer together. This can lead to reduced pore space and poor soil structure.
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