Physicochemical Properties

Abstract

Soil is a complex matter and comprises minerals, soil organic matter, water, and air. These fractions greatly influence soil texture, structure, and porosity. These properties subsequently affect air and water movement in the soil layers, and thus the soil’s ability to function. Therefore, soil physicochemical properties have a great influence on the soil quality. Soil texture especially can have a profound effect on many other properties. Thus, soil texture is considered one of the most important physical properties of soil. In fact, soil texture is a complex fraction, consisting of three mineral particles, such as sand, silt, and clay. These particles vary by size and make up the fine mineral fraction. Generally, the coarse mineral fraction, which consists of particles over 2 mm in diameter, is not considered in texture. But in some cases they may affect soil physicochemical properties such as water retention. The textural category of a soil is decided by the relative amount of various particles sizes in a soil, that is, whether it is clay, loam, sandy loam, or another (Fig. 2.1)