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.
In everyday and construction calculations, the specific weight of black soil usually means density or volumetric weight: the ratio of 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 | Density / volumetric weight, t/m³ | Weight of 1 m³, kg | Approximate volume in 1 tonne, m³ |
| Dry or loose black soil | 1.0 - 1.2 | 1000 - 1200 | 0.83 - 1.00 |
| Plastic black soil without roots and large impurities | 1.25 - 1.35 | 1250 - 1350 | 0.74 - 0.80 |
| Black soil with roots and plant residues | 1.25 - 1.40 | 1250 - 1400 | 0.71 - 0.80 |
| Non-plastic hard black soil with low moisture | 1.2 - 1.3 | 1200 - 1300 | 0.77 - 0.83 |
| Moist black soil of medium moisture | 1.3 - 1.45 | 1300 - 1450 | 0.69 - 0.77 |
| Wet or strongly compacted black soil | 1.5 - 1.65 | 1500 - 1650 | 0.61 - 0.67 |
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.
For preliminary calculations, the average weight of 1 m³ of black soil is often taken as 1000 - 1300 kg. Dry loose soil can be lighter, while moist or compacted black soil can approach 1500 - 1650 kg per cubic meter. 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
How much does 1 m³ of black soil weigh?
For preliminary calculations, 1 m³ of black soil is often taken as 1000-1300 kg. Wet, saturated or compacted black soil may weigh about 1500-1650 kg/m³.
Why does black soil weight vary so much?
Mass depends on moisture, looseness, compaction, organic content, mineral composition, roots and plant residues. Dry loose soil is therefore lighter than wet compacted soil.
How do you calculate black soil volume when ordering by tons?
Divide the mass by the density for the selected condition. For example, at 1.25 t/m³, one ton occupies about 0.8 m³.