Definition - What does Bulk Density mean?
Bulk Density is a property of granules, powders and various other divided solids, especially those used in reference to pharmaceutical ingredients, chemical substances, mineral components, food stuff or other masses of particulate matter or corpuscular. It is referred to as the mass of various particles of materials divided by total volume occupied by them. A total volume of materials includes internal pore volume, interparticle void volume and particle volume. It cannot be considered as an intrinsic property of materials as it can change depending on how the material is handled.
Petropedia explains Bulk Density
Bulk Density reflects the ability of soil to function for solute and water movement, structural support and soil aeration. When measured above a threshold, the density indicates impaired function. It is also used in conversion between volume and weight of soil. It is used for expressing the chemical, biological and physical measurements of soil on a volumetric basis for the comparison between the management systems and the quality assessment of soil. The high bulk density indicates soil compaction and low soil porosity. It results in poor water and air movement through the soil and restriction to the growth of the root.