Fundamentals Of Soil Science its types and basics you need to know

The earth we walk on, the fresh air we breathe, the food we eat, or other necessities that our life depends upon are directly or indirectly derived from the soil. Like air, water is needed to survive such is the case with soil as well. And hence it is important to acquaint yourselves with soil science .

What is soil science?

Soil science is a term used to describe the study of soil as a natural resource present on earth. The study of soil includes soil formation, soil classification, and mapping. It also inculcates the study of the physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils. Terms like Pedology and edaphology are used synonymously with soil science but these terms are contrary to each other.

Also read: CBSE scholarship scheme 2022-23

Soil scientists are in charge of raising concerns regarding the preservation of soil and how should it be put into use for its proper utilization. Soil scientists also deal with how the soil in the world should be preserved.

Fundamentals of Soil Science

Come let's understand the fundamentals of soil science

What is soil?

Now that you understand what soil science is, let's focus on the basic concern of the same, ie, soil. 70% of the surface of the earth is covered with water and the rest 30% is covered with soil. The element soil is composed of a mixture of minerals, organic matter, air, and water. Organic matter comprises the dead remains of plants and animals. Apart from the rigid description of soil, it is also formed as a result of loose sediments. 

Also check: CBSE passing marks criteria 2023

Soil has the following types: 

1. Clay Soil

2. Sandy soil

3. Loamy Soil

4. Silt Soil

The soil comprises 45% minerals, 50% empty spaces or voids, and 5% organic matter. Following the are functions that the soil performs:

1. Soil act as a channel for plant growth

2. It contributes to modifying the earth's atmosphere

3. It is one of the crucial atmospheres of the biosphere

4. Provides home to organisms

Also read: Muscle Contraction

The process of soil formation

Soil formation is an entire process that involves the following steps: 

Soil profiles: when you dig into the soil you will see that it is comprised of several layers or horizons. When you put the horizons together you will see the formations of a soil profile. Each layer in the soil profile has a different process of its formation.

Also read: CBSE latest news for class 10

Soil changes with time: With the passage of time the appearance of the soil varies from its parental material. The nature of the soil is ever-changing and in fact, the components that it is made of like minerals, water, air, organic matter, and organisms are also subject to constant change. During the entire cycle of soil formation, it either catches some compounds or loses some. Some components are subject to movement within the soil itself. While some elements of the soil are transformed into other soils. 

CLORPT: The properties of the soil of every two places differ, be it the soil of two different parts of the same backyard. It is because their place and process of formation differ. The five major factors responsible for the formation of soil are climate, organisms, relief, parent material, and time or CLORPT. 

Soil science is an unfathomable area and when talking about its formation it is not formed in a single process but multiple processes are involved for the same. Soil is formed due to weathering of the rocks. The weathering of the rocks can happen in any one of the three given weathering processes.

Also read: CBSE board exam preparation

1.Mechanical Weathering

This process is generally witnessed on the surface of the earth and is also known as Physical Weathering because it is influenced by physical forces like wind, water, and temperature.

2.Chemical Weathering

The weathering of rocks that is done due to chemical reactions is known as chemical weathering. The change in the composition of the soil is a result of this type of weathering. 

3. Biological Weathering

This type of weathering occurs due to biological processes like the weakening and disintegration of rocks by living organisms.

Also check: How to score good marks in boards

How long does the process of soil formation take? 

Soil is a natural resource and is renewable but the process of its formation is quite gradual and requires a lot of time. The formation of even an inch of topsoil requires hundreds or even thousands of years for its formation. The speed of soil formation at different spaces varies. The colder regions have the slowest speed, and the hot and wet regions have the fastest rate of soil development.

Also read: Brain Boosting Foods

The significance of soil

The significance of soil has been listed below: 

• Soil promotes the healthy development of plants that provides food, clothing, furniture, and medicines.

• It is a habitat of many life forms like bacteria, fungi, algae, etc. Microbes play an important part in maintaining the environmental balance by holding onto moisture and decaying dead organisms. 

• The topsoil provides assistance to several life-form activities like reproduction, hatching, nesting, breeding, etc. of a few organisms.

• The organic matter present in the soil adds to the fertility of the soil. The rate of the fertility of the soil is responsible for the growth of the plant.

• Soil is used in the making of cups, utensils, tiles, etc. The contents present in the soil like gravel, clay, and sand are used in the construction of buildings, roads, homes, etc. 

• Various mineral medicines like calcium , iron, petroleum jelly, etc are derived from the soil.

Keep following EtoosIndia CBSE Articles for the latest updates.