The formula for apparent bulk density (γ) is the dry mass of the soil (md) divided by the total volume of the soil (vt).
Here's the formula:
γ = md / vt
Where:
- γ = Apparent bulk density (typically in g/cm³ or kg/m³)
- md = Mass of the dry soil (typically in grams or kilograms)
- vt = Total volume of the soil, including solids and pore spaces (typically in cm³ or m³)
Essentially, bulk density tells you how much mass is packed into a given volume of soil. A higher bulk density indicates less pore space and potentially more compaction. This is important for understanding soil health and its ability to support plant growth.
