Factors of Soil Aggregation Essay -- Agriculture Agricultural essays

Factors of Soil Aggregation there atomic number 18 many delivers that characterize a priming. One such feature is aggregates. on that point are many different types of aggregates, such as platy, prismatic, granule, blocky, angular, and more. There are several different factors which influence the formation of these aggregates. Hans Jenny, in his watchword Factors of Soil Formation (1941), recognizes five factors which influence soil formation climate, biota, topography, enhance material, and time. This paper will explore each of these factors in order to kick upstairs a better understanding as to what influences aggregate formation and strength. before exploring aggregate formation and strength, the word aggregate must be clearly defined. Singer and Munns (1996) define aggregate as a word interchangeable to ped which refers to a group of primary particles held together by various soil-stabilizing agents (pg. 28) and are described according to their shape, size, stability, and east with which we can see them in the soil (pg. 28). There are six main types of aggregate shape granular, subangular blocky, angular blocky, prismatic, columnar, and platy (Singer and Munns, 1996). Aggregates of different shapes form under different conditions, however, the basic elements that get aggregate formation remain the same. Now that aggregate has been defined, the discussion of formational factors may begin. The formation of aggregates begins at the sm aloneest level, with tiny particles of less than five micrometers called colloids (Singer and Munns, 1996). At this size, still bonding and hydrogen bonding hold particles together (Black, 1968). This causes several effects. First, the summate of clay present becomes important, since almost electrostatic and inter... ...arides that are effective cover charge compounds. Fungal hyphae on cast surfaces can physically enmesh and perk up casts, but stabilization is most strongly promoted by drying, which brings the organic and mineral compounds into close association, promoting clay-polyvalent cation-organic matter linkages (pg. 1743).The factors which influence soil formation, and consequently aggregates, are complexly linked. Each factor interacts, influences, and in turn is dependent upon each otherwise factor. Through this amazingly intricate relationship, several factors are recognized as more influential in aggregate formation. To fully list all possible elements which work to form a single aggregate would mother many years, and many volumes of books to complete. This paper has hopefully provided insight into several of the most important factors that influence aggregate formation.