SOIL AND DEVELOPMENT:
MAJOR SOIL COMPONENTS
By: Aquino, Mariel
Bahan, Amier Gabriel
Telanas, Jireh Caleb
Rosal, Uwe Karl
Suba, Dave Mark
MAJOR SOIL COMPONENTS
Soil is an exceptional example of the
interdependence and overlap among
Earth's subsystems because a soil
develops through long-term
interactions of atmospheric,
hydrologic, lithologic, and biotic
conditions. The nature of a soil
reflects the ancient environments
under which it formed as well as
current environmental condi-tions.
Soils contain four major components:
inorganic materials, soil water, soil
air, and organic matter.
INORGANIC MATERIALS
A substance that do not contain carbon-
hydrogen (C-H) bonds.
Typically derived from non living sources such
as minerals, metals, and non-mettalic
compound.
Examples include metals like iron and copper,
minerals like quartz and feldspar, salts like
sodium chloride (table salt).
SOIL WATER
Refers to the water present in the spaces
between soil particles.
Soil water is both an ingredient and a
catalyst for chemical reactions that sustain
life and influence soil development.
There are three types of soil water:
Capillary water
Hygroscopic water
Gravitational water
CAPILLARY WATER
Water held in the micropores of the soil.
Water that composes the soil solution.
Is held in soil because the surface tension
properties (cohesion and adhesion) of the soil
micropores are stronger than the force of gravity.
Is the main water available to plants as it is trap
in the soil solution right next to the roots of the
plant.
Capillary water can move in all direction through
soil.
HYGROSCOPIC WATER
Forms a very thin film surrounding soil
particles.
Is bound tightly to the soil by adhesion.
Is generally not available to the plant.
GRAVITATIONAL WATER
Free water moving through soil by the force
of gravity.
Largely found in the macropores of soil.
Very little gravitational water is available to
plants as it drains rapidly down the water
table.
SOIL AIR
Refers to the air that occupies the spaces
between soil particles.
exixts within the pore apaces of the soil and
is vital for the survival of soil organisms and
the health of plant roots.
It contains oxygen, carbong dioxide, and
other gases crucial for microbial activity, root
respiration, and nutrient cycling.
The composition of soil air can vary
de[pending on thr factors like soil moisture,
temperature and organuc matter content.
ORGANIC MATTER
Refers to the decomposed remains of plants,
animals, and microorganism in various
stages of decay.
Key component of soil.
Rich in carbon-based compounds.
Organic matter in soil, often called humus.
Humus provides numerous benefits such as
improving soil structure, retaining moisture,
enhancing nutrient content, promoting
microbial activity, and increasing soil fertility.
It is crucial for sustaining healthy
ecosystems, supporting plant growth, and
maintaining soil health in agricultural
practices.
