How to determine soil structure

Soil structure is the arrangement of the soil particles into aggregates or peds and the space between them. Soil structure is assessed using the 'drop -- shatter' test. Good soil structure is present when the soil naturally forms stable cohesive clusters of particles, known as aggregates or peds. Medium and fine-size aggregates produce numerous pore spaces, which encourage root penetration, water storage and the easy passage of water, nutrients, air and soil organisms through the soil. Large aggregates (clods) are likely to inhibit growth through reducing the volume of soil plants can access and therefore water, nutrients and air.

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