OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 19-Jan-2026 | Pages: 118-132 | Doi : 10.37446/edibook222025/118-132
Soil is a living, dynamic, polyphasic system composed of solids, water, and air. The physical characteristics of soil plays a fundamental role in regulating different soil processes that support crop growth, soil health, and environmental sustainability. Soil physical characteristics such as texture, structure, bulk density, porosity, consistency etc govern water infiltration, movement, retention and availability to the plant, aeration, root growth, root penetration, nutrient availability, and resistance to degradation processes. Soil texture as determined by hydrometer method indicate the relative proportions of primary soil particle such as sand, silt, and clay which provides the basic framework influencing water-holding capacity and permeability. Soil structure evaluated through aggregate stability influences the size as well as continuity of soil pores, infiltration, and resistance to erosion. Plant root growth, gas exchange in soil and soil water dynamics directly influenced by two important key indicators i.e. bulk density and porosity mediated through soil compaction and pore geometry of soil. Soil consistency is the physical manifestation of cohesive and adhesive forces reflects the soil’s resistance to deformation under varied moisture conditions. Surface crusting, a manifestation of structural breakdown, restricts seedling emergence and infiltration, thereby increasing runoff and soil loss. Soil colour, evaluated through standard colour charts i.e. Munsell’s soil colour chart provides valuable insights regarding organic matter content, drainage conditions, and mineral composition. Scientific assessment and precise management of the above-mentioned physical characteristics facilitate the efficient management of runoff, erosion, water, as well as nutrient losses, and land degradation. Therefore, understanding different soil physical characteristics are essential for sustainable crop production, improvement of soil health and eco-friendly environment.
Soil texture, Soil structure, Porosity of soil, Soil compaction, Bulk density, Particle density
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