What aspect of soil is measured to determine its usability in landscape design?

To assess the usability of soil in landscape design, measuring particle size and distribution is essential. This aspect of soil affects various properties critical for plant growth, including drainage, aeration, and the soil's ability to retain moisture. The specific size and arrangement of soil particles influence how easily roots can penetrate and how well the soil can hold nutrients and water.

Particle size affects soil texture classification, which in turn dictates the types of plants that can thrive in that soil. For instance, sandy soils with larger particles drain quickly but do not hold nutrients well, while clay soils with smaller particles retain moisture and nutrients but may drain poorly. Understanding these characteristics allows landscape designers to select appropriate plantings and treatments that are compatible with the soil's physical structure.

While temperature, nutrient levels, and sound quality are important aspects of the overall environment and can influence plant health and landscape functionality, they do not specifically define the structural capacity of the soil itself like particle size and distribution do. Therefore, focusing on the physical properties of soil is paramount when determining its usability in landscape design.