Bulk density is a material property defined as the mass of many particles of the material divided by the total volume they occupy. The total volume includes particle volume, inter-particle void volume, and internal pore volume. As an example, consider a container filled with soil. The determination of its density involves weighing the soil and then dividing that mass by the volume of the container. This resulting value reflects the compactness of the material.
Understanding this material property is vital in several fields, including agriculture, construction, and environmental science. In agriculture, it helps determine soil health and its ability to support plant growth. In construction, it is critical for assessing the load-bearing capacity of soils and aggregates. Historically, the assessment of this property has aided in predicting the behavior of materials under various conditions, contributing to more efficient and sustainable practices.