Density is defined as mass per unit volume.  Soil bulk density of a sample is the ratio of the mass of solids to the total or bulk volume.  This total volume includes the volume of both solids and pore space.  Bulk density is distinguished from particle density, which is mass per unit volume of only the solid phase.  Particle density excludes pore spaces between particles

 Apparatus

·         Oven

·         Measuring cylinder

·         Analytical balance

Procedures

·         Dry the soil sample in an oven at 105 ⁰C until a constant weight is attained,

·         Transfer a little dried soil to a measuring cylinder and note the volume.

·         Record the weight of this volume of soil on a balance.

·         Calculate the bulk density with the following formula:

                                       Bulk density (gm/cm³) = Weight of soil (gm)/Volume of soil (cm³)

References

1. George E., Rolf S., John R.; Methods of Soil, plant and water analysis;3^rd ed; p65

2.Sadhan C. Anand Dev G.; Handbook of Water, air and soil analysis; international E publication;2014

3.Haluschak P. Laboratory Methods of Soil Analysis Canada-Manitoba Soil Survey, April 2006

4. Rebecca Burt; Soil Survey Field and Laboratory Methods Manual; Soil Survey Investigations Report No. 51; Version 2; Issued 2014; p86