Guidance

Examining soil structure

How to dig a hole and examine soil condition.

From:
Environment Agency
Published
2 February 2010

This publication was withdrawn on

Find guidance on examining soil structure in Think soils from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

Documents

Examining soil structure

Ref: LIT 5835

PDF, 2.95 MB, 32 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

A handbook focussing on the practical techniques needed to effectively assess soil structure. Taking time to look at soil structure - the arrangement of soil particles in the soil - is essential for profitable farming, soil health and the environment. The handbook gives guidance on:

  • preparing a hole for examination
  • preparing a section of soil to be examined
  • looking at pores and fissures
  • looking at structural units
  • looking at shape, size and colour of soil structural units
  • assessing the packing density of soil
  • using plant and root growth as an indicator of soil structure
Published 2 February 2010