2. Soil Patterns, Structure, and Texture

Wind and water, gravity and time, people and plants and more change and shape and move the soil, creating patterns and features that range in size from more than 1000 kilometers to less than 2 micrometers. Recognizing and understanding these spatial patterns is vital to more fully understanding and more wisely managing soil physical properties and processes. And, the patterns and structures we can find in soil are fascinating and beautiful. The spatial organization of soil occurs at hierarchical, or nested, levels which we will consider from large to small.