Shrinkage and Atterberg limits in relation to other properties of principal soil types in Israel

Soil samples collected from 32 sites across Israel representing major types were analyzed for their pedological characteristics and mechanical properties. Correlative relationships between shrinkage (measured by the coefficient of linear extensibility, COLE), Atterberg limits (liquid and plastic) and the physical and chemical properties were established and indicate possibilities of estimating mechanical properties from known pedological data. Strong correlations were noted between mechanical properties and the pedological characteristics reflecting clay mineralogy and texture, e.g. cation-exchange capacity, specific surface area, hygroscopic moisture and clay content. These relationships are useful inasmuch as clay mineralogy is usually evident from soil classification. Sodicity and salinity, common in dry soils of semi-arid regions, may introduce complicating factors such as raising or lowering Atterberg limits, respectively. Shrinkage is similarly affected being accentuated at high-sodium, low-salt levels and reduced in highly saline-sodic soils. Organic matter was correlated with liquid and plastic limits, but no relationship with shrinkage was noted. Calcium carbonate also had little influence on Atterberg limits.The relationships presented may serve as first approximations. Mechanical properties of the soil groups illustrate the range of values encountered among regions with differing environmental conditions.