Water erosion Universal soil loss equation computes average annual soil loss as product of two quantitative factors ability of soil to erode rainfall erosion ability Univ. Soil loss equation developed for cropland east of Rocky Mts. V. Summary As long as the majority of our food crops are grown in the soil, a basic understanding of soils will continue to be essential to crop production. This section discussed two of the most important physical properties of soils, that of texture and structure. This can influence both fertility and the environment, as well as limit the plant's ability to obtain water for turgor, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake.
Soil structure has a primary impact on soil porosity and aeration.
If water does not move through soils, air is excluded and plant roots die. This effects temperature, how slowly or quickly a soil dries, and has a direct influence on seeding date and germination. Finally, mankind uses tillage to effect the soil physical properties. Self Assessment Know the difference between soil texture and structure. Be able to explain how texture and structure influence crop plant growth.