Soil
Soil is a mixture of materials that supports plant life and various soil
organisms. It's a complex system composed of organic matter, minerals,
gases, water, and living organisms. Soil is crucial for plant growth, nutrient
cycling, and the health of the entire ecosystem.
Key components of soil:
Organic matter: Decayed plant and animal matter, also known as humus,
which provides nutrients and improves soil structure.
Minerals: Broken down rock particles, including sand, silt, and clay, which
determine soil texture and water-holding capacity.
Gases: Primarily air, essential for root respiration and other soil processes.
Water: Vital for plant growth and nutrient transport.
Organisms: Including bacteria, fungi, insects, and other creatures that
contribute to nutrient cycling and soil health.
Different types of soil:
Sand:
Large particles that provide good drainage but can be poor at holding water.
Silt:
Medium-sized particles that offer good drainage and water retention.
Clay:
Small particles that hold water well but can be compacted and difficult to drain.
Loam:
A balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, considered ideal for plant growth.
Soil and its role:
Plant growth: Soil provides nutrients, water, and support for plant roots.
Nutrient cycling: Soil organisms help break down organic matter and release
nutrients for plant use.
Water filtration: Soil filters rainwater and helps prevent runoff.
Ecosystem health: Soil supports a wide range of organisms and contributes
to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Human activities: Soil is essential for agriculture, construction, and other
human activities.
Sand Soils
Mineral content: Dominated by large particles of sand, primarily composed of
silica and other minerals
Nutritional content: Typically low in organic matter and nutrients, as sand
particles do not have a high capacity for nutrient retention
Drainage: Excellent drainage due to the large pore spaces between sand
particles, allowing water to move quickly through the soil
Water holding capacity: Low water holding capacity as sand particles have
limited ability to retain water
Air spaces: Sand soils have ample air spaces due to the large particle size,
facilitating oxygen availability for plant roots and soil organisms
Biota: Generally lower microbial activity and lower diversity of soil organisms
compared to other soil types
Potential to hold organic matter: Low potential to hold organic matter, as
sand particles do not have strong binding capacity
Clay Soils
Mineral content: Dominated by small clay particles, composed of various
minerals such as silicates and aluminum oxides
Nutritional content: Clay soils often have higher nutrient content and cation
exchange capacity, allowing them to retain and supply nutrients to plants
Drainage: Poor drainage due to the small particle size and compactness,
which limits water movement through the soil
Water holding capacity: High water holding capacity as clay particles have
the ability to hold water tightly
Air spaces: Clay soils have fewer air spaces due to the compactness of the
particles, leading to limited oxygen availability for roots and soil organisms
Biota: Clay soils can support a diverse range of soil organisms due to their
ability to retain water and nutrients
Potential to hold organic matter: High potential to hold organic matter, as
clay particles have strong binding capacity and can retain organic
compounds.
Loam Soils
Mineral content: Loam soils have a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay
particles, providing a combination of different mineral compositions
Nutritional content: Loam soils generally have a moderate nutrient content
and cation exchange capacity, allowing for adequate nutrient retention and
availability
Drainage: Moderate drainage characteristics, providing a balance between
water movement and retention
Water holding capacity: Loam soils have a moderate water holding capacity,
retaining enough water for plant use while allowing excess water to drain
Air spaces: Loam soils have a balanced structure, with sufficient air spaces
for root respiration and soil organism activity
Biota: Loam soils support diverse soil biota, including microorganisms,
earthworms, and other soil organisms
Potential to hold organic matter: Loam soils have a moderate potential to
hold organic matter, as they provide a suitable environment for organic
material decomposition and nutrient cycling
Soil Properties Summary Table
Property Sand Loam Clay
Nutrient status Poor Moderate Good
Water infiltration rate High Medium Low
Water holding capacity Low Medium High
Aeration Good Moderate Poor
Potential to hold organic matter Low Medium High
Ease of working (ease with which soil can be manipulated) Good Moderate Poor
