Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
*Present address: Division of Soil Science and Agronomy, Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana
**Present address: Nuclear Research Laboratory, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
Investigations on the effect of clay minerals and cementing agents on development of cracks on drying in simulated soil systems were carried out. Systems containing bentonite and mica developed less cracks as compared to that containing bentonite and kaolin. Aluminium hydroxide decreased considerably the development of cracks in the systems containing bentonite. Iron hydroxide was effective in the reduction of crack formation only when the relative proportion of bentonite in the systems was low. Humic acid had no effect.
Crack volume, cementing agents, clay minerals
