))
12.5 Tiny Bytes: Understanding Bulk Density: Why Space Matters in Your Soil
Manage episode 498896041 series 3547738
Soil is more than just what we see on the surface, on average consisting of 45% mineral components, 5% organic matter, 25% water, and 25% air, with bulk density measuring how much dry soil weighs per volume.
• Bulk density indicates the space available in soil for air and water
• Sandy soils counterintuitively have higher bulk density than clay soils
• Clay soils typically contain more organic matter which contributes to greater pore spaces
• Bulk density increases as you go deeper into the soil profile
• Tillage initially reduces bulk density but destroys aggregate structure
• No-till transitions require time for new aggregate formation
• Compacted soils with high bulk density limit root exploration
• The ideal soil provides adequate pore space for root growth
• Calculating total nutrients requires understanding soil bulk density
More on measuring bulk density and bulk density as a soil health indicator: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/Soil%20Quality-Indicators-Bulk%20Density.pdf
Join us for our next Tiny Bytes!
https://gktechinc.com/
https://gktechinc.com/
Chapters
1. What Makes Up Soil (00:00:00)
2. Understanding Bulk Density (00:01:22)
3. Sand vs Clay Soils (00:03:37)
4. Soil Horizons and Human Impact (00:07:05)
5. The Importance of Soil Pore Space (00:10:20)
72 episodes
Share
