Leirejorder

Leirejorder is a term used in agriculture and soil science to describe soils with a high clay content. These soils are characterized by their fine particle size, which gives them distinct properties compared to soils with larger particles like sand or silt. Clay particles are less than 0.002 millimeters in diameter and their small size and flat shape contribute to how leirejorder behave.

One of the most notable characteristics of leirejorder is their water retention capacity. Due to the small pore spaces between clay particles, these soils can hold a significant amount of water. This can be beneficial for plant growth during dry periods, but it also means that leirejorder can become waterlogged if drainage is poor. Conversely, when leirejorder dry out, they can become very hard and compacted, making it difficult for plant roots to penetrate and for air and water to move through the soil.

Leirejorder also tend to have a high nutrient-holding capacity. The charged surfaces of clay particles attract and retain essential plant nutrients, preventing them from being leached away by rainfall. This can contribute to soil fertility. However, the dense structure of leirejorder can also lead to poor aeration, which is crucial for root respiration and the activity of beneficial soil organisms. Working leirejorder when they are too wet can lead to severe compaction and structural damage, which can take a long time to recover.