Abstract
Laboratory investigations were conducted to study strength characteristics of silt loam soil of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, under uni-axial compression tests. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of applied pressure and moisture content on strength indices such as bulk density, penetration resistance and shear strength of the soil and to develop relationships between the strength indices for predictive purposes necessary in soil management. The compression was carried out at different moisture contents determined according to the consistency limits of the soil. The applied pressure ranged from 75 to 600 kPa. Values of bulk density, penetration resistance and shear strength increased with increase in moisture content up to peak values after which the values decreased with further increase in moisture content. Regression models were used to describe the trends in the results for the soil. Results also showed that bulk density and soil strength normally regarded as indicators of soil quality are affected by moisture content and applied pressure and that these properties can be predicted using the models generated from the study.
Highlights
Soil strength has been regarded as important characteristics that affect many aspects of agricultural soils, such as the performance of cultivation implements, root growth, least-limiting water range and trafficabilty [1]
Penetration resistance and shear strength increased with increase in moisture content up to peak values after which the values decreased with further increase in moisture content
Results showed that bulk density and soil strength normally regarded as indicators of soil quality are affected by moisture content and applied pressure and that these properties can be predicted using the models generated from the study
Summary
Soil strength has been regarded as important characteristics that affect many aspects of agricultural soils, such as the performance of cultivation implements, root growth, least-limiting water range and trafficabilty [1]. Soil compaction has negative effects on the environment by increasing runoff and erosion thereby accelerating potential pollution of surface water by organic wastes and applied agrochemicals [4]. All of these effects may reduce the quality and quantity of food and fiber grown on the soil. The knowledge of soil compaction is increasingly important and desirable within agriculture and environmental protection
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