Soil typically weighs about 75 pounds per cubic foot. This weight can vary depending on the composition of the soil, including its moisture content and the presence of organic matter.
When considering the weight of soil, it’s important to account for the organic matter within it. Organic matter can significantly affect the overall weight. If the soil contains about 5% organic matter, this conclusion is roughly correct. Organic matter is generally lighter than mineral components, so a higher percentage of organic matter would result in a lighter soil weight per cubic foot.
In summary, using 75 pounds per cubic foot as a standard weight for soil is a reasonable estimate, especially when the soil contains around 5% organic matter. However, for precise calculations, it’s always best to measure the specific soil in question, as factors like moisture and organic content can cause variations.