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Physical Soil Properties--Elbert County,Colorado,Western Part <br /> Physical Soil Properties <br /> This table shows estimates of some physical characteristics and features that <br /> affect soil behavior. These estimates are given for the layers of each soil in the <br /> survey area. The estimates are based on field observations and on test data for <br /> these and similar soils. <br /> Depth to the upper and lower boundaries of each layer is indicated. <br /> Particle size is the effective diameter of a soil particle as measured by <br /> sedimentation, sieving, or micrometric methods. Particle sizes are expressed as <br /> classes with specific effective diameter class limits.The broad classes are sand, <br /> silt, and clay, ranging from the larger to the smaller. <br /> Sand as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are 0.05 millimeter <br /> to 2 millimeters in diameter. In this table,the estimated sand content of each soil <br /> layer is given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 <br /> millimeters in diameter. <br /> Silt as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are 0.002 to 0.05 <br /> millimeter in diameter. In this table,the estimated silt content of each soil layer is <br /> given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 <br /> millimeters in diameter. <br /> Clay as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are less than 0.002 <br /> millimeter in diameter. In this table, the estimated clay content of each soil layer <br /> is given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 <br /> millimeters in diameter. <br /> The content of sand, silt, and clay affects the physical behavior of a soil. Particle <br /> size is important for engineering and agronomic interpretations,for determination <br /> of soil hydrologic qualities, and for soil classification. <br /> The amount and kind of clay affect the fertility and physical condition of the soil <br /> and the ability of the soil to adsorb cations and to retain moisture. They influence <br /> shrink-swell potential, saturated hydraulic conductivity(!(sat), plasticity,the ease <br /> of soil dispersion, and other soil properties.The amount and kind of clay in a soil <br /> also affect tillage and earthmoving operations. <br /> Moist bulk density is the weight of soil(ovendry) per unit volume.Volume is <br /> measured when the soil is at field moisture capacity,that is,the moisture content <br /> at 1/3-or 1/10-bar(33kPa or 10kPa) moisture tension.Weight is determined after <br /> the soil is dried at 105 degrees C. In the table,the estimated moist bulk density <br /> of each soil horizon is expressed in grams per cubic centimeter of soil material <br /> that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter. Bulk density data are used to compute <br /> linear extensibility, shrink-swell potential, available water capacity,total pore <br /> space, and other soil properties. The moist bulk density of a soil indicates the <br /> pore space available for water and roots. Depending on soil texture, a bulk <br /> density of more than 1.4 can restrict water storage and root penetration. Moist <br /> bulk density is influenced by texture, kind of clay, content of organic matter, and <br /> soil structure. <br /> usim Natural Resources Web Soil Survey 3/12/2018 <br /> Conservation Service National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 1 of 6 <br />