Soil: Types, Composition and Properties

What Is Soil?

Soil is the loose upper layer of the earth's surface in which plants grow. It is formed by the weathering of rocks and the decomposition of organic matter over time.

Components of Soil

• Mineral particles (sand, silt, clay)
• Organic matter (humus)
• Water
• Air
• Living organisms (earthworms, bacteria, fungi)

Types of Soil

• Sandy soil: large particles, drains water quickly, poor at holding nutrients.
• Clay soil: very small particles, holds water well but drains poorly and can become waterlogged.
• Loamy soil: a balanced mixture of sand, silt and clay; considered the best soil for most crops.

Properties of Soil

• Texture: the feel of soil, determined by particle size.
• Structure: how soil particles are arranged into clumps (aggregates).
• pH: measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is, affecting nutrient availability.
• Fertility: the soil's ability to supply nutrients needed for plant growth.

Improving Soil Fertility

Fertility can be improved through the use of organic manure, crop rotation, fallowing, and appropriate fertiliser application.