Soil properties

Soil texture

Soil texture refers to the proportion of sand, silt and clay sized particles that make up the mineral fraction of the soil.

Soil structure refers to the way soil particles group together to form aggregates (or peds).

Colour can be a useful indicator of some general soil properties and processes occurring below the surface.

Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Having the correct pH is important for healthy plant growth.

Soils can store, cycle and emit as gases different forms of carbon, and soil carbon is an indicator of soil health.

Water supply through soils is vital for both plants and soil organisms.

For plants to be healthy, they need a steady supply of nutrients from the soil. A shortage or excess of nutrients can affect plant growth.

Sodicity is a natural feature of many Queensland soils. Soils are often considered sodic when the amount of sodium impacts soil structure.