Coagulation

Coagulation is an important process in soil science that describes the coalescence of soil particles into larger units. The particles in the soil are divided into three categories depending on their size: Sand, silt and clay. These soil particles are held together by the formation of clay minerals and humus-oxide complexes. This creates a high-quality soil structure for plant cultivation.

Causes and mechanisms of coagulation

The coagulation of soil particles is influenced by various factors, such as the pH value of the soil, the ionic strength of the soil solution or the presence of organic or inorganic substances. Coagulation is caused by electrostatic attraction forces between the particles, which are reinforced by the formation of clay minerals and humus-oxide complexes.

The formation of clay minerals combines smaller soil particles into larger units. These units are more stable and less soluble in water than the original particles. The formation of clay minerals is triggered by the conversion of silicates, which occur in most soil types, into clay minerals through chemical processes in the soil.

Humus-oxide complexes are formed by the binding of organic substances to the oxide or clay minerals in the soil. These complexes are usually negatively charged and can hold the soil particles together through electrostatic attraction.

Importance of coagulation for crop production

Coagulation is of great importance for plant cultivation, as it contributes to the formation of a stable and well-aerated soil structure. A stable soil structure is important to promote the growth of plants and improve their nutrient uptake. A well-aerated soil structure also allows oxygen and water to penetrate the soil better and improve root development.

Measures to improve coagulation

Coagulation can be improved by various measures, such as

• The accumulation of organic material in the soil to promote the formation of humus-oxide complexes
• The application of fertilizers that support the formation of clay minerals
• Adjusting the pH value of the soil to the optimum range for the formation of clay minerals and humus-oxide complexes
• Avoiding overfertilization and erosion, which can destabilize the soil structure

Summary

Coagulation is an important process in soil science that contributes to the formation of a stable and well-aerated soil structure. Coagulation is triggered by electrostatic attraction forces between soil particles, the formation of clay minerals and the formation of humus-oxide complexes. A stable soil structure promotes the growth of plants and improves their nutrient uptake. Measures such as the enrichment of organic material, the application of fertilizers and the adjustment of the pH value can help to improve coagulation and create a high-quality soil structure for plant cultivation.