Soil texture and structure: role in soil health

Publication date: 06/08/2018
Extent: 16 pages

Contributions by: Rainer Horn, Heiner Fleige and Iris Zimmermann, Institute for Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Germany

Chapter synopsis: Soil texture is a major parameter in quantifying basic soil properties. Healthy soils are well aggregated and provide a continuous pore system with high surface accessibility. They are well aerated, contain sufficient plant available water and provide a reliable filter and buffer capacity. This chapter discusses the effects of particle size and aggregate formation on soil properties, which affect soil health such as cation exchange capacity and hydraulic conductivity, as well as what optimal particle size and aggregate formation mean for soil management.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2017.0033.07