Dependence of Certain Physical and Chemical Measurements in a Soil Profile on the Type of Water-Stable Aggregate

It is the purpose of this study to show that the relationships between clay content and certain properties dependent upon the extent of clay surface are masked by the presence of water-stable aggregates. Moisture equivalent and cation exchange capacity are used as means of measuring the influence of these stable aggregates. Holdrege, Dawes, and Keith profiles were selected because they were formed from a more or less uniform type of material. It was found the moisture equivalent of soils and the cation exchange capacity could be materially increased by first dispersing the sample to break down any stable aggregates. Advisor: J. R. McHenry