Soil Bulk Density Calculator
Quickly calculate soil bulk density for gardening, farming, or scientific research. Get accurate results in seconds with our easy-to-use tool.
Enter Your Soil Data
grams
cm³
Your Results
0.00
g/cm³
Soil bulk density indicates how compacted your soil is. Lower values indicate healthier, more porous soil.
What is Soil Bulk Density?
Soil bulk density is the dry mass of soil per unit volume. It’s an important indicator of soil health, compaction, and porosity.
Formula: Bulk Density = Dry Soil Weight / Soil Volume
How to Measure
- Collect an undisturbed soil sample using a core sampler
- Dry the sample in an oven at 105°C for 24 hours
- Measure the dry weight of the soil
- Calculate the volume of your sample container
- Use this calculator to determine bulk density
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good bulk density for soil? +
Ideal bulk density varies by soil type:
- Sandy soils: 1.2-1.8 g/cm³
- Loamy soils: 1.0-1.4 g/cm³
- Clay soils: 0.9-1.3 g/cm³
Lower values generally indicate healthier soil with better structure and porosity.
Why is bulk density important? +
Bulk density affects:
- Root growth and plant development
- Water infiltration and retention
- Soil aeration and gas exchange
- Nutrient availability
- Microbial activity
High bulk density indicates compaction, which can reduce crop yields by up to 50%.
How can I improve soil bulk density? +
To reduce soil bulk density and alleviate compaction:
- Add organic matter (compost, manure)
- Practice reduced tillage or no-till farming
- Use cover crops to improve soil structure
- Avoid working soil when it’s too wet
- Use proper tire inflation on farm equipment
- Implement controlled traffic patterns