Soil particle size distribution is a key determinant of many soil functions including soil fertility, and hydraulic and mechanical behavior. Soil particle size analysis using traditional hydrometer or pipette sedimentation methods is tedious and error-prone. Laser diffraction particle size analysis is a rapid low cost technology for measuring particle sizes using light diffraction patterns. Particle size distribution can be measured in narrow size classes in dry soils, or in water using different dispersion treatments.
