Soil texture refers to the proportion of soil particles of different sizes, which reveals its degree of coarseness or fineness and there are twelve categories of soil texture. The feel method for soil texture assesses its grittiness, stickiness, and plasticity. The International Pipette and hydrometer methods are employed for soil texture examination. Since soil texture is an intrinsic soil characteristic, it cannot be modified or changed. Soil fertility, plant growth, and productivity are influenced by soil texture. Sandy soils drain well and are simple to care for. Clay soils retain water and nutrients, yet they drain slowly. Loam soil is perfect for the growth of plants. The organization of soil particles and their clustering into specific and defined patterns is referred to as soil structure. It is studied in the field under natural circumstances and categorized into three groups which are known as type, class, and grade. The development of soil structure in agricultural soil is affected by factors like clay and exchangeable ions, inorganic clays, vegetation and plant debris, organic materials, along with microbes and animals. Soil structure influences plant growth indirectly by impacting pore space and size distribution, water retention, root development, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. Well-aggregated soils promote superior crop development. Land management methods affect soil structure, highlighting the necessity of preserving ideal soil composition for optimal plant growth.
Soil texture, soil structure, Types, Factors, Importance
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