1. What is Soil Density?

Soil density is a measure of the mass of dry soil per unit volume. It's an important property in soil science, agriculture, and construction that helps determine soil compaction, porosity, and water-holding capacity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the soil density formula:

Where:

• \( D \) — Soil density (g/mL)
• Dry Mass — Mass of dry soil sample (g)
• Volume — Volume of soil sample (mL)

Explanation: The formula calculates how much mass of soil is contained in a specific volume, indicating how compacted the soil is.

3. Importance of Soil Density Calculation

Details: Soil density measurement is crucial for assessing soil quality, determining appropriate agricultural practices, evaluating construction site suitability, and understanding water infiltration rates.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the dry mass of soil in grams and the volume in milliliters. Ensure both values are positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical range for soil density?
A: Most mineral soils have densities between 1.1-1.6 g/mL, while organic soils typically range from 0.2-0.8 g/mL.

Q2: Why use dry mass instead of wet mass?
A: Dry mass eliminates the variable of water content, providing a consistent measurement of the actual soil particles.

Q3: How should soil samples be prepared for density measurement?
A: Soil should be completely dried at 105°C for 24 hours to remove all moisture before measuring dry mass.

Q4: What factors affect soil density?
A: Soil texture, organic matter content, compaction, and mineral composition all influence soil density.

Q5: How does soil density relate to porosity?
A: Higher density generally indicates lower porosity, meaning less space for air and water movement through the soil.