Determination of Particle Density of Soil (Pycnometer Method)
Aim
To determine the particle density of a given soil sample using the pycnometer method.
To understand the importance of particle density in soil physical properties.
Introduction
Particle density is the mass per unit volume of soil solids only, excluding pore spaces. It is an important
soil property used to calculate soil porosity and to understand soil composition.
Most mineral soils have a particle density of about 2.65 g cm⁻³ because they are mainly composed of
quartz. However, soils containing high organic matter usually have lower particle density values since
organic matter has lower mass per unit volume than mineral particles.
In this experiment, the pycnometer method was used to determine the particle density of the soil
sample.
Apparatus and Materials
Pycnometer bottle with stopper
Analytical balance
Oven-dried soil sample
Distilled water
Funnel
Clean dry cloth
Procedure
A clean and dry pycnometer was weighed (Wp).
10 g of oven-dried soil was placed into the pycnometer and weighed (Wps).
Distilled water was added to about two-thirds of the pycnometer and gently shaken to remove air
bubbles.
The pycnometer was filled to the brim with distilled water, stoppered, wiped dry, and weighed (Wpsw).
The pycnometer was then emptied, cleaned, filled with distilled water only, and weighed (Wpw).
Observation Data
Measurement
Symbol
Value (g)
Mass of empty pycnometer
Wp
15 g
Mass of pycnometer + soil
Wps
25 g
Mass of pycnometer + soil + water
Wpsw
39.2 g
Mass of pycnometer + water
Wpw
37.7 g
Mass of soil:
Calculation
(Wps-wp)/(Wps+(wps-wp)-wpws)×pwt, where pwt=density if water temperature T
Substitution of letters
Ps=ws÷(wpw+wps-wpsw)
Ps=10÷(37.7+10-39.2)
Ps=10÷(47.7-39.2)
Ps=10÷8.5
Ps=1.18 cm
Discussion
The particle density obtained was 1.18 g cm⁻³, which is lower than the average particle density of
mineral soils (2.65 g cm⁻³). This suggests that the soil sample may contain organic matter or lighter
minerals.
Possible sources of error include trapped air bubbles in the soil-water mixture, inaccurate weighing,
temperature variations affecting water density, and incomplete drying of the pycnometer. Proper
handling of the apparatus improves accuracy.
Conclusion
The particle density of the soil sample was successfully determined using the pycnometer method. The
value obtained was 1.85 g cm⁻³. This indicates that the soil may contain organic matter or lighter mineral
components. The pycnometer method is effective when care is taken to remove air and ensure accurate
measurements.
References
Brady, N. C., & Weil, R. R. (2016). The nature and properties of soils (15th ed.). Pearson Education.
Hillel, D. (2004). Introduction to environmental soil physics. Elsevier Academic Press.
Blake, G. R., & Hartge, K. H. (1986). Particle density. In A. Klute (Ed.), Methods of soil analysis, Part 1:
Physical and mineralogical methods (2nd ed.). American Society of Agronomy.