Relationship between particle density and soil bulk chemical composition

Purpose An analytical database containing XRF chemical analyses and real density measurements of unconsolidated sediments of the Padania Plain (Northern Italy) has been used to understand the relationship that exists between the soil particle density (ρs) and their bulk chemical composition. Materials and methods Using a linear regression, we built an equation able to link the particle density with the soil elemental composition. Results and discussion Positive correlations were found between ρs and SiO2, MgO, CaO and Na2O and negative correlationswith K2O, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 and LOI, reflecting the presence in the soils of quartz and feldspars/mineral clays respectively. Conclusions Our equation is very useful because it helps to know the density properties of a soil when it is not possible to measure ρs with a pycnometer. On the other hand, by knowing the ρs, it is possible to have a quite precise knowledge about the chemistry of the studied soils.