Influence of Sand on the Amount of Water‐Dispersible Clay in Soil

Abstract

AbstractWater‐dispersible clay in soils from a number of geographic locations increased in relation to clay measured by a standard procedure as the proportion of sand in the soils increased. Additions of sand to soils containing relatively small amounts of water‐dispersible clay relative to “regular” clay markedly increased the yield of water‐dispersible clay; medium sand and coarse sand were the most effective. Conversely, the removal of sand from soil containing large amounts of sand reduced the yield of water‐dispersible clay. The abrasive action of sand during agitation associated with water dispersion evidently breaks down aggregates containing clay.