Types and Importance of
Soil Structure
Soil Structure
-It is defined by the way individual
particles of sand, silt , and clay are
assembled.
-Single particles when assembled
appear as larger particles known
as aggregates or peds.
Types of soil structure
Divided into two groups on the basis of shape of
aggregates:
a.)Simple Structure:
-In this structure, the soil particles are not coagulated or
flocculate.
I. Single grained structure(i.e. structure less soil)
-This occurs normally in sandy and silty soils of low
organic matter content. The binding influence of organic
matter often modifies this original form to certain extent
by building up a weak aggregates
II. Massive Structure
-It is similar to single grain structure except that it is
coherent(e.g. dense soil crusts, plough pans and fargi
pans.).
b.) Compound Structure:
-This structure can be divided into four
classes depending on shape and
characteristics of their surface.
- has a relative length of vertical and
horizontal axis.
I. Platy or Plate- like Structure
-In this structure, the horizontal axis is
longer than vertical axis.
-look like plate and peds are in the thin
plates.
-If units are quite thin, they are called
laminar, while if the units are thick, they are
called platy.
-It is the most noticeable in the surface layer of
virgin soil that are subjected to wide and rapid
change.
1. Prism- like Structure
- In this structure, the vertical axis of
aggregates is longer than horizontal axis,
giving a pillar like shape.
- subdivided into two sub-types as follows:
I. Columnar – It is a term used when the
tops of the prism is rounded. Found in B-
horizon.
- It may occur when the profile is changing
and certain horizons are degrading.
II. Prismatic – It is when the tops of the prism are
still plane, level and clean cut, the structural
pattern is designed prismatic.
- commonly found in B-horizon
2. Block like Structure – It is where the
aggregates develop almost equally in all direction.
- Irregularly six faced and with their three
dimensions more or less equal.
- It is sub-divided into two groups as follows:
I. Angular Blocky – the edges of the cubes are
sharp.
- Rectangular faces are distinct.
- Commonly found in B-horizon
II. Sub-angular Blocky – In this structure, the
aggregates are similar to angular blocky, but the
faces and edges are rounded
- commonly found in B-horizon
3. Spheroidal (Sphere like Structure) – In this
type, the aggregates and the two axis(vertical and
horizontal axis) are more or less equal.
- the aggregates are not in close contact with each
other, ordinarily the aggregates are called granules.
- Subdivided into two groups as follows:
I. Granular – the granules are relatively less
porous. - commonly found in A-horizon
II. Crumb – the granules are especially porous.
- occurs in furrow slice or surface soil.
Importance/Significance of soil
Structure
- Aggregation of soil particles can occur in different patterns
resulting in different soil structures. The circulation of water in
the soil varies greatly according to structure.
- Soil aggregates are of special importance for high water
infiltration and good soil structure.
- These properties help determine soil quality and directly
influence soil and water conservation.
- Granular and crumb – water circulates very easily through
such soils. It is also helpful in root penetration and
retention of water which are essential for the satisfactory
growth of the plant
- Sub-angular Blocky are confined to the sub-soil and their
stage of development and characteristic have much to do
with soil drainage, aeration, and root penetration.
- It is important as it allows water to soak into the soil and
excess water to drain away.
- It allows air movement through the soil. Soil, air and water
are vital for healthy plant growth and nutrient supply.
Group members:
Otero, King Rhowin
Sinong, Jhelo Chyle L.
Dio-alan, Jonnel
Wayan, Reyjan
Resources:
www.midwestind.com/soil/stabilisation
http://www.fao.org/tempref/FI/CDrom/FA
O_Training/FAO_Training/General/x6706e/
x6706e07.
