What is pore space?
Pore space, or porosity, is associated with both texture and structure of soils. Pore spaces are large in course, sandy soils or in those with well developed granulation. In heavy soils containing mostly fine clay particles, the pore spaces may be too small for plant roots or soil water to penetrate readily. Good soils have 40 to 60% of their bulk occupied with pore space, which may be filled with either water or air, both of which are important. What’s the Air/Water relationship? As in all other soil relationships, a satisfactory balance between water and air is important for productivity. Too much water slows the release of soil nitrogen, depletes mineral nutrients, and otherwise hinders proper plant growth. Too much air speeds nitrogen release beyond the capacity of plants to utilize it, so that much of it is lost. The stored water in an overly aerated soil evaporates into the atmosphere and is lost to the plants. How does water get into the soil? Soil water occurs in three forms, d
