This lab demonstrates the effect of good structure on permeability to water, shows the binding effect on organic matter on aggregates, and illustrates the relationships between particle density, bulk density and percent pore space in a soil. .
Bulk density is the weight of a soil in a given volume.
Particle density is determined by displacing the air in the soil with water and then measuring the volume that the water occupies. Grassland soil is on the left and cultivated is on the right. Brad Werner adds water to the soil columns. Mike Meeker graphs data collected during the lab.