A Word About
Soil Character
Soils are a mixture of living organisms, organic matter, humus, clay, silt, sand, and mineral fraction. The term "clay" is somewhat misleading as it can refer to two different elements in soil characteristics. In texture it refers to particles smaller than 2µm. In soil mineralogy it is a mineral grouping exhibiting specific properties. Not necessarily all particles less than 2µm are clays, but for practical purposes it is close.
The different soil materials (fractions) bind together to form aggregates in the soil. These aggregates define the fluid movements (gas and liquid) within soil and lead to differentiation of soil structure.
Between the aggregates are spaces for gases and water (soil solution, soil plasma) movement. The quality and quantity of these spaces is highly important for soil processes.
In this series we are going to examine the soil's character and give you more understanding of it.
