jordart

Jordart is a term used in Swedish soil science to denote the basic soil type of a site, defined primarily by the mineral composition and texture of the soil. The key aspect of jordart is its particle-size distribution, typically expressed in terms of sand, silt, and clay content, and the presence of larger fragments such as gravel. Organic soils, notably peat, are considered alongside mineral textures but reflect a different composition and behavior. The jordart of a soil governs its physical properties, including porosity, water-holding capacity, drainage, compaction risk, and bearing strength, which in turn influence crop suitability, vegetation, and construction applications.

Classification of jordart relies on field observations and soil profile description, often supported by laboratory analyses that measure grain-size distribution and organic matter, as well as maps that indicate the dominant material class at a location. In practice, jordart is used for land use planning, agriculture, forestry, hydrology, and civil engineering, where it helps predict drainage performance, erosion risk, and nutrient dynamics.

In Sweden and other Nordic contexts, jordart is commonly distinguished into sandy, loamy, clayey, and mixed textures, with peat and other organic soils noted for their special properties. Understanding jordart aids decisions on drainage design, fertilizer strategy, crop choice, and construction methods, contributing to sustainable land management and environmental assessments.