Bulk density variations in riverine alluvial soils

X. Arulandoo, B. Aziz, C. S. Lee and J. Ramalah

Abstract

Bulk density values of the riverine alluvial soils are dissimilar for the different soil series and locations. There are differences in bulk density valucs between depths and with sampling time during a crop growing season. The bulk density of the surface layer 0-5 cm is lower than that of the other depth intervals as it is easily amenable by management practices. Land preparation activities reduce the bulk density of the surface layer by about 0.0650 O.3400 g/cm³, whilst field drainage at time of harvest increases the bulk density of the surface layer by about 0.1134-0.1700 g/cm³. The depth interval of l5-20 cm has higher values than other depths as it is closer to the compacted hard pan. The bulk density of the depth interval of 5-10 cm is found to be representative of the average bulk density with in 20 cm from the soil surface. The range in bulk density of the 5-10 cm depth interval for the Chempaka series is 1.2400-0.9800 g/cm³ and of Lating series is 1.2000-0.5200 g/cm³ during the two consecutive rice growing seasons including the fallow period between the two seasons.

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