The study of soil structure - Science or art

Abstract

Soil structure is the size, shape and arrangement of the solid particles and voids which is highly variable and associated with a complex set of interactions between mineralogical, chemical and biological factors. Science is based on quantitative measurements which can be reproduced. Soil structure does not lend itself to quantification. Numerical values of soil structure indices almost always depend on the measurement procedure and therefore the study of soil structure may be considered as being largely art rather than science. Furthermore, most soil scientists studying soil structure are not primarily interested in soil structure per se but rather the functionality of soil structure as a medium for crop growth or chemical transport. Studies in the laboratory, frequently on fragmented samples, do not always lead to an understanding of the functionality of soil structure under field conditions. Development of a comprehensive understanding of soil structure requires a combination of principles based both on science and art.