Soil Physical Properties

Soil physics is the study of the soil's physical system and its processes and properties. These processes “deal with the dynamics of physical soil components and the dynamic entity phases of the solids, liquids, and gases in an equilibrium state.

Soil processes are intimately tethered to the chemical and biological components of the soil and have a host of agricultural, hydrological, and environmental significance. Soil physics influences soil and water sustainability, crop yield, plant, animal, and fungi health, and many other factors.

Soil processes and crop production are strongly controlled by physical processes such as soil water flow, soil structural stability, irrigation and drainage, heat, and aeration. 

By understanding soil physics, soil can be better optimized to improve crop yield and resiliency thus creating mechanisms for combating food insecurity due to climate change, for example. 

Soil physics has a three-dimensional nature, casing all the soil systems in one volumetric structure as a mother embraces her young. Understanding the physical properties of soils is important to proper soil and agronomic management…the importance of soil physics to the nexus of food, energy, and water is highly recognized.