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The soil water contents at the liquid and plastic limits (the Atterberg limits) are widely used in the classification of soils for engineering purposes. Approximately 500 soil samples (129 Ap horizons and 417 B and C horizons) collected over several years as part of the ongoing soil survey program in Saskatchewan were analyzed for texture and Atterberg limits. On about half of the samples water retention (−33 kPa and −1500 kPa matric potential and air dryness), and organic and inorganic C were also determined. The relationship between the Atterberg limits and soil properties was explored through correlation and regression analysis. Clay and organic matter content explained most of the observed variation in the Atterberg limits of the Ap horizons. Clay was the most important independent variable in the B and C horizons, while inorganic C had only a relatively small impact. Key words: Atterberg limits, texture, organic and inorganic C

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potential and cracking in clay soils of Saskatchewan. Can. J. Soil Sci. 68:251-26O.Clay soils in Saskatchewan were studied to understand their shrink-swell potential, to identify soil properties that predict the coefficient oflinear extensibility (COLE), and to assess the extent of cracking during the growing season. The soils have medium to very high shrink-swell potential, which is related to the specific surface area associated with expandable clays. Because expandable clays in these soils are predominantly of fine clay size, COLE is reasonably well predicted from percent fine clay. The extent of cracking is estimated for some sites using an improved method of measurement.Limited data suggest that cracking intensity in native grassland is less than in cultivated sites and that, under wheat, it is more pronounced in subarid than in subhumid sites.

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