What does soil structure refer to?

Soil structure specifically refers to the aggregation of individual soil particles into larger units, known as peds or aggregates. This characteristic plays a critical role in determining how soil functions, affecting aspects such as porosity, aeration, water retention, and root penetration.

A well-developed soil structure can improve water infiltration and drainage, allowing for better air exchange and root development. Various types of soil structures are recognized, including granular, blocky, platy, and columnar, each impacting soil health and productivity.

In contrast, other aspects mentioned, such as the size of soil particles, the presence of water, and soil color variations, are important factors in soil science but do not define soil structure itself. The size of soil particles pertains to soil texture, the presence of water addresses soil moisture content, and soil color variations can provide insights into soil composition, organic matter content, or drainage conditions, but none of these specifically encompass the organization of soil particles as structure does.