Introduction to Soils What is Soil Consists of

Introduction to Soils

What is Soil? Consists of weathered materials, decaying organic matter, air and water Provides air, water and nutrients to plants Soil provides mechanical support to plants

How is soil formed? https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Fx 8 r 3 o 2 gs. Lk

Soil formation con’t Decomposing animals and plants ◦ Fungi and bacteria feed on the material to break it down until it is released into the soil Rocks and minerals break down through weathering (freezing, thawing) and mechanical forces to create soil texture.

Five main components of soils: mineral particles derived from rocks by weathering; organic materials - humus from dead and decaying plant material; soil water - in which nutrient elements are dissolved; soil air - both carbon dioxide and oxygen; living organisms including bacteria that help plant decomposition.

Soil Types /Texture Different sized mineral particles give soil its texture ◦ Sand ◦ Loam ◦ Clay

Soil Texture Sandy: is the largest particle size, allowing for more air and water to movement Loamy: soils are intermediate between sand clay – both water holding capacity and fertility Clay: soils are heavy and hold a lot of water

Reference http: //www. fao. org/ag/AGPC/doc/publicat/FAO BUL 4/FAOBUL 4/B 401. htm