Soil Physical Features and Characteristics

Physical Features of Soil

• Particle size is a key physical feature of soil
• Soil texture is another important physical feature, influenced by particle size and distribution
• Drainage is the ability of soil to allow water to flow through it
• Temperature affects soil's physical and biological properties
• Soil structure refers to the arrangement of particles and voids in the soil

Impacts on Soil

• Compaction reduces soil's total pore space and affects its physical and biological properties
• Loss of organic matter can alter soil's structure, texture, and fertility
• Erosion is the removal of topsoil, reducing soil's fertility and affecting its physical features
• Sedimentation is the deposition of eroded soil particles, affecting soil's texture and structure
• Weathering is the breakdown of soil particles, changing their size and distribution

Investigating Soil Properties

• Sedimentation can be used to investigate soil texture by separating particles by size
• Soil sieves can be used to separate particles by size, aiding in texture analysis
• Hand testing involves feeling the soil to determine its texture and moisture content
• Capillarity and infiltration rates can be compared between compacted and uncompacted soils to determine their water-holding capacities
• The percentage of water content in a soil sample can be calculated to determine its moisture level