Physical properties

SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

The physical properties of a soil are the result of soil parent materials being acted upon by climatic factors (such as rainfall and temperature), and being affected by relief (slope and direction or aspect), and by vegetation, with time. A change in any one of  these soil-forming factors usually results in a difference in the physical properties of the resulting soil.

• Physical properties (mechanical behaviour) of a soil greatly influence its use and behaviour towards plant growth.

• The plant support, root penetration, drainage, aeration, retention of moisture, and plant nutrients are linked with the physical condition of the soil.

• Physical properties also influence the chemical and biological behaviour of soil.

• The physical properties of a soil depend on the amount, size, shape, arrangement and mineral composition of its particles. 

• These properties also depend on organic matter content and pore spaces.