Soil

OBJECTIVES
• Identify the components of a soil sample
• Identify different soil types
• Determine the presence of living things in soil
• Identify some mineral salts in soil
• Determine the percentage organic, soil water and soil air content
in soil samples
• Explain how soil loses its fertility
• Explain conservation, maintenance, renewal of soil fertility and
soil reclamation
• Identify the techniques or methods of soil conservation, soil
maintenance, renewal of soil fertility and soil reclamation.
Background Information
• Definition of Soil: The uppermost layer of the Earth’s crust that
supports plant growth and is composed of minerals, organic matter, air,
and water.
• Importance of Soil:
• Provides nutrients and support for plant growth
• Habitat for microorganisms and soil organisms
• Supports agriculture and ecosystem balance
• Relevance to Biology Curriculum: Links to topics in ecology,
agriculture, and environmental conservation.
Components of Soil
• Organic Components:
• Humus: Decomposed plant and animal materials contributing to soil fertility.
• Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers that break down organic
matter.
• Plant Roots: Help in nutrient absorption and soil stability.
• Soil Fauna: Earthworms, insects, and other organisms that aerate and mix the soil.
• Inorganic Components:
• Minerals: Inorganic substances such as sand, silt, and clay.
• Soil Air: Oxygen and other gases needed for root and microbial respiration.
• Soil Water: Moisture that dissolves nutrients for plant uptake.
• Rocks and Particles:
• Weathering: Rocks break down into soil particles
through physical, chemical, and biological weathering.
This process contributes to the formation of different
soil textures.
Soil Particle Types and Sizes:

• Sand: Largest particles, promotes drainage but low nutrient retention.

• Silt: Medium-sized particles, retains moisture and nutrients well.

• Clay: Smallest particles, high water retention but poor aeration.

• Loam: Balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, ideal for plant growth.
• Colloids: Extremely small soil particles that
remain suspended in water and have high
surface area, contributing to nutrient
retention and soil fertility.
Detailed Explanation of Soil Types and
Physical Properties
• Sandy Soil:
• Contains large, coarse particles with large air spaces.
• Drains quickly but has low water and nutrient retention.
• Lightweight and easy to cultivate but prone to erosion.
• Clay Soil:
• Composed of very fine particles, making it dense and heavy.
• Retains water well but has poor drainage and aeration.
• Tends to become hard and compact when dry.
• Sandy soils have high aeration, whereas clayey soils have low aeration due to
compact particles.
• Porosity:
• The volume of pores or spaces between soil particles.
• Determines how well soil can hold air and water.
• Loamy soils have moderate porosity, sandy soils have high porosity, and
clay soils have low porosity.
• Capillarity:
• The ability of soil to move water through small spaces via capillary
action.
• Clay soils exhibit high capillarity due to their small particle size, while
sandy soils have low capillarity.
Determining the Presence of Living Things
in Soil
• Soil Organisms: Bacteria, fungi, earthworms, insects, and
microorganisms.
Methods to Determine Living Organisms in Soil:
• Soil Sieving: Collecting soil samples and examining them under a
microscope.
• Baiting Technique: Using decomposable material to attract
organisms.
• Burial Method: Observing decomposition of organic matter over
time.
• Tullgren Funnel:
• A method used to extract small organisms from soil samples.
• The soil sample is placed on a mesh screen above a funnel.
• A heat source (such as a lamp) is placed above the soil.
• The heat dries the soil from the top, forcing organisms to
move downward into a collecting jar.
• This method is effective for extracting insects, mites, and
other small soil fauna.
Determining Mineral Salts in Soil
• Why it is Important: Mineral salts like nitrates, phosphates, and
potassium support plant growth.
• Methods:
• Soil Extraction Test: Mixing soil with water and using chemical
indicators.
• pH Testing: Determines soil acidity and its impact on mineral
availability.
• Flame Test: Identifies specific minerals based on flame color changes.
Determining Organic Matter in Soil
• Definition: Organic matter consists of decomposed plant and animal
materials.
• Importance: Enhances soil fertility and structure.
• Methods to Determine Organic Matter:
• Loss on Ignition: Heating soil to burn off organic material.
• Chemical Tests: Using reagents to detect organic compounds.
• Observation of Soil Color: Darker soil typically contains more
organic matter.
Determining Soil Water and Soil Air
• Importance of Soil Water and Air:
• Essential for plant root absorption and microbial activity.
• Methods to Determine Soil Water Content:
• Gravimetric Method:
• Soil sample is weighed before drying.
• The sample is then dried in an oven at 105°C for 24 hours to remove all
moisture.
• After drying, the soil is reweighed.
• The difference in weight before and after drying represents the moisture
content in the soil.
• Formula: Soil Water

• Methods to Determine Soil Air:

• Air Content Test: Measuring air pockets within soil.
• Aeration Testing: Examining plant root health.
• Procedure:
• Measure Initial Water Volume
• Fill a graduated cylinder or measuring container with a known volume of water (e.g., 100 mL).
• Add Soil Sample
• Gently place a known volume of dry soil (e.g., 50 mL) into the water.
• Measure Final Water Volume
• Observe the increase in water level in the container.
• Calculate Soil Air Volume
• The air in the soil escapes as water fills its pore spaces.
• The volume of air in the soil is given by:
• Soil Air Content=Initial Soil Volume−(Final Water Level
• −
• Initial Water Level
•)
• Soil Air Content=Initial Soil Volume−
(Final Water Level−Initial Water Level)
• Interpretation:
• A higher difference means more air spaces in the soil.
• Sandy soil has more air due to larger pore spaces, whereas clayey soil
has less air due to tightly packed particles.
Soil Fertility and Factors Affecting It
• Definition of Soil Fertility: The ability of soil to provide essential nutrients and
sustain plant growth.
• Factors Affecting Soil Fertility:
• Soil Erosion: The removal of the topsoil layer, which contains most nutrients.
• Overgrazing: Excessive grazing reduces vegetation cover, leading to soil
degradation.
• Burning of Vegetation: Destroys organic matter and affects soil structure.
• Overcropping: Continuous planting depletes soil nutrients.
• Leaching: Downward movement of nutrients due to excess water.
• Surface Compaction: Reduces aeration and water infiltration, making it harder for
roots to grow.
Soil Conservation
• Definition: Sustainable management of soil to prevent degradation.
• Reasons for Soil Conservation:
• Prevents soil erosion.
• Enhances soil fertility and productivity.
• Soil Degradation Causes:
• Overgrazing, deforestation, poor farming practices.
Techniques for Soil Conservation
• Terracing: Reducing runoff on slopes.
• Contour Plowing: Farming along the natural contours of the land.
• Mulching: Covering soil with organic materials to retain moisture.
• Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops for soil stability.
• Crop Rotation: Growing different crops in succession to maintain
soil nutrients.
Practical Applications of Soil Conservation
in Ghana
• Case Studies: Examples from agricultural communities.
• Government Initiatives: Policies promoting soil sustainability.
• Role of Farmers: How farmers can implement soil conservation
methods.
Summary
• Key Takeaways:
• Soil is a fundamental resource for agriculture and ecosystems.
• Understanding soil composition and conservation techniques is
essential for sustainability.
• Discussion:
• How can we improve soil conservation practices in Ghana?