Specific weight of black soil. Weight of black soil depending on condition
A good soil base is important for growing crops, lawns and ornamental plants. Black soil is often used for such tasks because it contains nutrients and organic components needed for fertility. It can be used in pure form or mixed with other materials to improve soil composition.
Black soil is especially useful after construction work, when the soil on a site is contaminated, compacted or depleted. When ordering and delivering this material, it is important to understand how much 1 m³ of black soil weighs, because this affects order volume, transport and cost.
The specific weight of black soil is usually understood as the ratio of the material mass to the volume it occupies. The value depends on mineral composition, organic matter content, moisture, looseness and degree of compaction. Therefore, black soil weight is not constant: dry, loose, moist and wet soil will have different values.
| Black soil condition | Volumetric weight, t/m³ | Bulk factor | m³ in 1 tonne |
| Plastic black soil without roots and impurities | 1.3 | 0.75 - 0.8 | 1.25 - 1.33 |
| Plastic black soil with roots | 1.35 | 0.75 - 0.8 | 1.25 - 1.33 |
| Non-plastic hard black soil with low moisture | 1.2 | 0.9 - 0.96 | 1.04 - 1.11 |
| Raw black soil of medium moisture | 1.4 | 1.1 - 1.2 | 0.83 - 0.91 |
| Wet black soil of high moisture | 1.5 - 1.65 | 1.1 - 1.2 | 0.83 - 0.91 |
The weight of black soil differs significantly depending on the material condition:
- black soil in natural occurrence;
- black soil in a dense mass that is to be excavated;
- excavated black soil in crushed or loose condition;
- dry black soil;
- wet black soil;
- specially compacted soil.
Thus, material density and moisture percentage play a major role in the specific weight of black soil.
Weight of 1 m³ of black soil depending on moisture
It is difficult to determine the exact weight of a cubic meter of black soil without data on moisture and density. The material may be loose or compacted, dry or wet, clean or mixed with roots and plant residues.
On average, the weight of 1 m³ of black soil is often taken as 1000 - 1200 kg. For preliminary purchase of fertile soil, this value is usually sufficient, but when calculating delivery, vehicle load or exact volume, it is better to use the table and clarify the material condition with the supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the density of black soil be used for precise calculations?
The density and weight values for black soil in this article are reference values. They are suitable for preliminary estimates, but design, construction, production and other critical calculations should be checked against standards, material datasheets or measurement results.
Why can the actual weight of black soil differ from the table?
The actual weight of black soil depends on composition, moisture, temperature, porosity, fraction size, material grade and measurement conditions. Because of this, real values may differ from the average table data.
How do you calculate the mass of black soil from density?
For an approximate calculation, use the formula: mass = density × volume. If the density of black soil is given in kg/m³ and the volume is in m³, the result will be in kilograms.