Why is it important to know what the mechanical composition of the soil is?

The mechanical compositionreflects the quantitative ratio of different in size fractions (clay, sand and dust) in the solid phase of the soil. It plays a key role in the process of its development and determines its main properties - water-air, chemical, physico-mechanical, thermal and technological.

When talking about the mechanical composition and its relationship with the qualities of the soil, we can summarize the following points:📍 Light soils are distinguished by better water permeability, in contrast to heavy ones, which are characterized by high water retention capacity. 📍 Sandy soils are well aerated, which favors the growth and development of roots. The high percentage of dust and clay leads to the filling of the pores, with which the amount of available oxygen greatly decreases. 📍 Clay soils are susceptible to erosion to a greater extent, compared to sandy ones. Similar soils are distinguished by more unfavorable physical, chemical and biological indicators. 📍 Mineralization processes occur with greater speed in light soils. This is explained by the presence of more oxygen in them. 📍 The cation exchange capacity of the soil (CC) increases with increasing percentage of clay and organics. 📍 The action of lime materials (used in order to correct acidic pH), to a large extent, is determined by the clay content in the soil. 📍 In heavy rain, soils that contain more dust become compacted and compacted. Large, hard lumps obtained when processing them worsen the water-physical properties of the soil. 📍 Sandy soils warm up much faster compared to loamy ones. 📍 Light soils are characterized by a weaker level of processing resistance, in contrast to heavy ones, which have greater plasticity and stickiness. 📍 The content of a higher percentage of clay conditions the ability of the soil to retain nutrients, while the presence of more sand facilitates their washing.

From what has been said so far, we can conclude that knowledge of the mechanical composition is extremely important in the decision-making process in the farm. Events such as Fertilization, tillageand wateringshould be tailored to the type of soil especially given the fact that over time this indicator remains relatively constant.

Measures, having a positive effect on the development of plants, in conditions of heavier or lighter soils:

✅ Introduction of organic materials into the soil ✅ Ensuring a favorable environment for the life of microorganisms ✅ Mitigation of the adverse effects of weather conditions ✅ Cultivation of suitable crops, relative to the type of soilIt is important to consider that the creation of a good physical environment, characteristic of healthy soils, requires time, attention and care.

If you want to find out more or do an analysis of the mechanical composition of your soil, you can contact the accredited laboratory of

NIK Agro Serviceor refer to our agronomists!