Determination of Bulk Density

1.1 Objectives- To Estimate the Bulk density of the Soil

1.2 Relevant information
Bulk density is defined as the weight per unit volume of soil or it is the ratio of the weight of
a given quantity of soil, including pore space to it’s total volume. It is numerically equal to
the weight of oven dry soil to its bulk maximum volume. It refers to the ratio of a given mass
of an oven dried soil to that of its field volume (i.e., solids + pore spaces). Knowledge of bulk
density is of particular importance in the determination of depth of water for a given depth
of soil and total, capillary and non-capillary porosity. The permeability of soil for water, air
and penetration of plant roots is also influenced by bulk density. Compression or
compaction of soil particles increases bulk density, consequently it lowers the porosity in
turn the soil water storage capacity; this directly affects the crop performance particularly
where water availability is sub-optimal, which is a characteristic feature of light soils.

Table 1.1. Bulk density values of various soil types (USDA - SCS)
Soil texture Bulk density (g/cm3)

Materials:
Core sampler, scales, hot air oven, aluminium moisture boxes and balance, Irrigation water
source, mulching material, vernier calipers
Procedure:
1. Saturate the soil with water and cover it with some mulch to reduce the loss of water by
evaporation (as done while determining the field capacity).
2. Allow the soil in this condition for 24 hours to reach field capacity.
3. Take a core sampler; determine its volume (π r2 h) by finding out the radius and height
using vernier calipers.
4. Drive the cylinder into the soil to the desired depth.
5. Dig out the soil surrounding the cylinder without disturbing the soil core.
6. Weigh the soil contained in the core sampler and record the fresh weight.
7. Take a representative sample in a moisture can and determine moisture percentage on
oven dry basis. Calculate the total weight of dry soil contained in the core sampler.
8. Determine the bulk density of soil contained in the core sampler by using the formula.

Weight of oven dry soil

BD = -------------------------------- Unit- g/ cc or Mega gram / m3

Volume of wet soil (including pore space)
 Table 1.2 Calculation of Bulk density
S.No. Particulars Symbol Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

1.