Soil structure refers to the arrangement and organization of soil particles and the way they are bound together. It is influenced by various factors such as soil composition, moisture content, organic matter, and the history of soil formation. The soil structure plays a crucial role in determining several soil properties. Here are the important soil properties that are influenced by soil structure:

Permeability:
Permeability refers to the ability of soil to allow the movement of water and other fluids through it. The soil structure affects permeability by influencing the size, shape, and arrangement of soil particles. Well-structured soils with good aggregation and pore spaces provide a pathway for water to flow through, resulting in high permeability. On the other hand, poorly structured soils with compacted particles and limited pore spaces have low permeability.

Compressibility:
Compressibility is a measure of how much a soil volume can be reduced under an applied load. Soil structure affects compressibility by determining the arrangement and packing of soil particles. Well-structured soils with good aggregation have larger pore spaces, allowing for better accommodation of applied loads and reducing compressibility. In contrast, poorly structured soils with compacted particles have limited pore spaces, resulting in higher compressibility and settlement under loads.

Shear strength:
Shear strength refers to the ability of soil to resist deformation or failure when subjected to shear stress. Soil structure influences shear strength by determining the interlocking and bonding between soil particles. Well-structured soils with good aggregation have stronger inter-particle bonding, resulting in higher shear strength. Poorly structured soils with loose particles or weak bonding have lower shear strength and are more susceptible to shear failure.

Other soil properties:
In addition to permeability, compressibility, and shear strength, soil structure also influences various other soil properties, including:
- Bulk density: Soil structure affects the packing of soil particles, which in turn affects the bulk density of the soil.
- Water-holding capacity: Soil structure influences the amount of water that can be held in the soil and the availability of water to plants.
- Nutrient availability: Soil structure affects the movement and retention of nutrients in the soil, influencing their availability to plants.
- Root penetration: Soil structure determines the ease with which plant roots can penetrate the soil and access water and nutrients.

In summary, soil structure has a significant influence on various soil properties, including permeability, compressibility, shear strength, bulk density, water-holding capacity, nutrient availability, and root penetration. Understanding and managing soil structure is crucial for optimizing soil fertility, drainage, and overall soil health.