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Physical Properties: Bulk Density
Bulk density is defined as the mass of a unit volume of dry soil.
This volume includes both solids and pores. There are several methods
for determining soil bulk density by obtaining a known volume of
soil, drying it to remove the water, and weighing the dry mass.
A special coring instrument can obtain a sample of known volume
without disturbing the natural soil structure. For surface soils,
perhaps the simplest method is to dig a small hole, collect all
the excavated soil, and then line the hole with plastic film and
fill it completely with a measured volume of water. Still another
method involves coating a clod of soil with a waterproof film. The
volume of the odd-shaped clod is determined by its buoyancy when
suspended in water. Increases in bulk density usually indicate a
poorer environment for root growth, reduced aeration, and undesirable
changes in hydrologic function, such as reduced water infiltration.
Vegetation reestablishment is important to mine land reclamation.
Bulk density can be lowered by tillage for the purposes of revegetation.
On the other hand, increased bulk density indicates good compaction
for foundation stability which can be important for topographic
reconstruction of disturbed areas, building of roads, and building
of foundations for structures.
Problem | Compliance
| Health & Safety | Sampling
| Analytical | Data
Quality
Site Assessment | Prediction
| Construction | GIS
| Monitoring & Assessment
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