Tittle : Soil Bulk Density

Introduction
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Soil bulk density g / cm ) is defined as the mass per unit bulk volume of soil that has been dried
to a constant weight at 110 Celcius. The volume includes all pore space as well as space
occupied by soil solids.
Since fine-textured soils generally have more total pore space than coarse-textured soils, the finer
soils also generally have lower bulk densities. Bulk density values of fine-textured soils
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commonly range from 1.0 to 1.3 g / cm , while those of sandy soils range from about 1.3 to 1.7 g
3

/ cm .This general difference in bulk density between sandy and clayey soils, sandy soils are
referred to as light and clayey soils as heavy. This terminology refers to relative ease of
tillage, not typical bulk densities.

Objective

To determine the Bulk density of the uitm soil

Materials

Balance
Sampling cans
Containers
Permanent marker
Hammer
Pencil or pen
Sealable plastic bags
Drying oven

Graduated cylinder
Water
Soil sieve
Rubber gloves
Shovel

Procedure

a. In the field

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The location was identified ( near the P.I)

The vegetation and the other material from the soil surface was removed
A can with a known volume was pushed into a surface
By using a shovel , area around the can was being dug in order to remove a can easily
The soil from the top was trimmed so that the volume of the soil will be same as the
volume of the can
6. A can was labelled and covered with lids

b. In the lab after sampling

1.
2.
3.
4.

The sample with the can was weighed and being recorded on the Bulk density Data sheet
The sample was dried in the soil drying oven
The sample was weighed again with the boat and the dry mass was being recorded
The sample soil then was sieved (2mm)

Results
Description
Aluminium foil weight (g)

reading
9.018 g

Aluminium foil + Oven dry weight soil (g)

Oven dry weight soil (g)

239.8016
230.7836

The volume of the metal cylinder (cm3)

Bulk Density (g/ cm3)

= 3.142;

158.03
1.46g/cm3

height (h) = 6.9 cm;

radius (r) = 2.7cm

The volume of the metal cylinder is r2h = [3.142 (2.7)2 6.9]

= 158.03 cm3

=
=

1.46 g/ cm3

Discussions
3

Soil bulk density g / cm ) is defined as the mass per unit bulk volume of soil that has been dried
to a constant weight at 1100C. The volume includes all pore space as well as space occupied by
3

soil solids. Bulk density values of fine-textured soils commonly range from 1.0 to 1.3 g / cm ,
3

while those of sandy soils range from about 1.3 to 1.7 g / cm . Despite this general difference in
bulk density between sandy and clayey soils, sandy soils are referred to as light and clayey
Bulk density can be changed by the suitable management practices that affect soil cover,
organic matter, soil structure, compaction, and porosity. Excessive tillage destroys soil organic
matter and weakens the natural stability of soil aggregates ,making them susceptible to erosion

caused by water and wind. When eroded soil particles fill pore space, porosity is reduced and
bulk density increases.

Conclusion
The bulk density value in uitm was 1.46 g/ cm3. Thus , indicate that soil as coarse textured
soil. The soil with high bulk density are inhibitive to root penetration, and have low
permeability and in filtration. The bulk density is inversely related to pore space of soil.