BULK DENSITY (B.D)

Bulk density of a soil is weight of the soil per given volume.
                                                                             

 
            Bulk density (B.D) = weight of soil(M)/volume of soil (V)

                                     B.D = M/V

Higher bulk density than 1.6g/cm3 restrict the penetration of growing plants roots

      Factors that affect the bulk density of the soil.
The following are factors which affect the bulk density of the soil.

        1) Organic matter content
                 Light organic matter lower the weight of the soil. There fore if light organic matter present in the soil, it also lowers the bulk density.

      2) Granulation.
            A soil which is that is well granulated has lower bulk density than one which is not well granulated.

     3) Compactness of the soil.
             High compact has little pores space as result it has high bulk density.

      4) Cultural practices.
              Continuous cultivation without the addition of organic matter tend to rise the bulk density of the soil but addition of organic matter lower the bulk density of the soil.

              PARTICLES DENSITY.
Particles density of the soil is the weight of the soil per volume of solid particles in a soil.
 
             Particles density(PD) = weight of solids(M)/ volume of soil (Vs).
   
                                            PD = M/Vs

Mineral soils have particles density that varies between 2.6g/cm3 and 2.75g/cm3.