The explanation given above is direct translate from Russian. In Russia the water resistance of soils is divided into soaking properties, macerating properties, and this third - which is literally could be translated as "washability" - ability to fall in parts and be removed by water. Are there any English analogs? It is measurable - the "washability" coefficient (m3 J-1) - the volume of soil destructed by the unit of the wave energy. Could You help me find the proper term?
When soils disintegrate this is called the dissolution of soil aggregrate. This is determined by dry weights of portion before and after withstanding the standard wetting procedure. Aggregates are generally separated by sieving into different size classes.
This dissolution is a function of insufficient complexing of clay to organic matter. As organic matter increases this is much less of a problem and calcium content increases stability of the soil aggregate increases. biologically the action of earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi increase stability.
In common terms I believe they call it slaking.
I guess, slaking can be the conventional term used. It can be measured by using wet aggregate analysis method.
Stability of the soil aggregate is high correlated with the amounts of Calcium, Soil Organic matter and clay content. Clay mineral and humic materials have overall negative charges tending to isolate them, the complexing of the materials is facilitated through multi cationically charged calcium and through the action of glycoprotein glomalin from mycorrhizal fungi which although with roots help give size and more permanences to the aggregates. Stable aggregation is important to aeration, water retention, and biological activity and provides the environment for high productivity. A well stably aggregated soil has less erosion and less loss of nutrients which lead to eutrophication of fresh and costal water resources.
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