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The arrangement of the mineral particles in soil. Particles may exist individually, e.g. sand particles, or they may be grouped together in larger units (peds). The products of decomposition of organic matter are often sticky and glutinous thus binding the particles together. The aggregates can be grouped in various ways and may be described as crumby, blocky, platy, etc. The structure provided by these aggregates makes the soil more fertile as the channels between the peds aid aeration and drainage. Soil structure can be broken down by overcultivation and removal of too much organic matter. Often a clay soil forms large sticky clods making it difficult to work. Clay soils can be improved by adding lime, which causes the individual clay particles to stick together (flocculate) in smaller aggregates.
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