mullatüüp

Mullatüüp refers to the classification of soil based on its physical and chemical properties, primarily its texture. Texture is determined by the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles. Different mullatüüp classifications exist, with the most common one used in Estonia being based on the Estonian soil classification system.

The fundamental texture classes are sandy, loamy, and clayey. Sandy soils have a high proportion of sand, feel gritty, and drain well but have low water-holding capacity. Clayey soils have a high proportion of clay, feel sticky when wet and hard when dry, and retain water and nutrients effectively but can be poorly drained. Loamy soils are a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, offering a balanced combination of drainage, water retention, and nutrient availability, and are generally considered ideal for agriculture.

Beyond the basic texture, soils are further categorized by factors such as their organic matter content, structure (the arrangement of soil particles), and mineral composition. These additional characteristics influence soil fertility, workability, and suitability for various land uses, including agriculture, forestry, and construction. Understanding mullatüüp is crucial for effective land management, as it dictates how a soil will behave and what its limitations and advantages are. For instance, a sandy mullatüüp might be suitable for root vegetables that require good drainage, while a clayey mullatüüp might be better for crops that benefit from high moisture retention.