Introduction

One of the most important parameters in the study of soil behavior is soil structure. The arrangement of soil particles influences the behavior of the soil, for example, in respect to soil water movement. Structure is a complex system of constituents and is often considered from the point of view of the whole rather than of any single part. Pedologists then describe different forms of structure (soil pedality). For example, soils with observable peds are described as weakly, moderately, and strongly pedaled structures (see also the Field Structure screens in the module on Describing & Classifying Soils).

By describing structural elements, from megascopic to microscopic features, morphologists construct a hierarchy of structure. These structural elements range from aggregates to clay particles.