Soil aggregates are groups of soil particles that are bound to each other more strongly than to adjacent particles. Organic matter “glues� produced when soil biota break down dead roots and litter hold the particles together. Threadlike strands of fungi also bind particles into aggregates. Microscopic aggregates are the building blocks of larger aggregates. The larger aggregates and the arrangement of them, along with chemical attraction between particles, determine soil structure. The structure of the surface layer commonly is granular or blocky, but a degraded surface layer can be crusted, platy, or structureless. Pores important for the movement of air, water, and plant nutrients occur within and between aggregates. Pores also [...]
Summary
Soil aggregates are groups of soil particles that are bound to
each other more strongly than to adjacent particles. Organic
matter “glues� produced when soil biota break down dead roots
and litter hold the particles together. Threadlike strands of fungi
also bind particles into aggregates. Microscopic aggregates are
the building blocks of larger aggregates. The larger aggregates
and the arrangement of them, along with chemical attraction
between particles, determine soil structure. The structure of the
surface layer commonly is granular or blocky, but a degraded
surface layer can be crusted, platy, or structureless. Pores
important for the movement of air, water, and plant nutrients
occur within and between aggregates. Pores also provide
thoroughfares for soil organisms.
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