What is soil and why does it matter?

Soil is one of the most important things on Earth, just like air and water. It's hidden under our feet and buildings, so we don't often think about it. Soil is where we find the plants and animals that make up our food, and it's home for billions of living things. Soil also supports many of our buildings and structures.

Soil forms very slowly, so we can't just replace it in our lifetime. Many soils are becoming damaged and are at risk. That's why it's important to understand soil and make sure it's there for future generations. Soil-Net is a website that can help you learn more about soil.

We need healthy soil to grow the crops that we eat and feed to livestock. Soil is also important to plants that grow in forests and other natural areas. Soil is a biological structure, built by living creatures to secure their survival. Microbes make cements out of carbon, with which they stick mineral particles together, creating pores and passages through which water, oxygen and nutrients pass.

To take care of soil, we need to make sure it has the right mixture of water, air, minerals, and organic matter. Soil organic matter is made up of decomposing plant and animal material, and it helps bind soil together and keeps it anchored in place. We can also reduce soil erosion by increasing organic matter.

Why does soil matter?

Soil is really important for many reasons. One of the most important reasons is that it helps plants grow, and we need plants for our food, forests, and wildflowers. For thousands of years, people have been growing food by using soil. In the last 50 years, we have been using soil to produce even more food because the world population has grown a lot. We use things like fertilizer and machines to help us grow more food. But in some parts of the world, like Africa, people are too poor to use these things, and the soil can't produce enough food to feed everyone.

Soil is also important for forests. Different types of soil and climate around the world give rise to different types of trees that are used for things like timber and fuel. Soil is also important for growing a wide variety of flowering plants around the world. The type of soil in a particular place is important in determining the types of flowers and shrubs that will grow there. There are plants that love and need chalk-rich soils, and those that do not; we have plants, such as heathers, that like wet, acid soils. We even have flowering plants in which the color of the flower depends on the nature of the soil in which it is growing. Soil is really important for growing the beautiful range of flowers in the countryside.

Soil is also important for producing healthy food. Healthy soil produces healthy crops that in turn nourish people and animals. Soil quality is directly linked to food quality and quantity. Nutrient exchanges between organic matter, water, and soil are essential to soil fertility and need to be maintained for sustainable production purposes. When the soil is exploited for crop production without restoring the organic matter and nutrient contents, the nutrient cycles are broken, soil fertility declines, and the balance in the agro-ecosystem is destroyed. Soils are a crucial ally to food security and nutrition.

Overall, soil is really important for growing food, forests, and flowers. It is also important for producing healthy food. We need to take care of our soil so that it can continue to support life on Earth.

Let's look at soil under the microscope

Soil is made up of different materials called parent materials. Most soils are formed from hard rock or sediments that date back millions of years. Peat soils, on the other hand, are derived mainly from buried plant remains. The mineral particles in soils come in a large variety of shapes and sizes and have been classified into four main size fractions: rock fragments greater than 2mm diameter, sand-sized particles, silt-sized particles, and clay-sized particles. Soils vary greatly, both laterally and vertically, in terms of the proportions of these particles. Sandy soils have at least 70 percent of sand-sized grains whereas clay soils are dominantly (>60 per cent) of clay particles. Because of the size and nature of the particles that make up these soils, they behave very differently. Sandy soils have a coarse feel to them, while clay soils have a smooth, velvety feel, particularly when moist.

Soil formation begins when parent rock material is exposed to the atmosphere or when organic matter and/or minerals are deposited on the earth’s surface. The type of parent material and how the soil is formed will greatly influence the properties of the soil. There are two general rules that we may state about the influence of parent material on soil formation: the soil develops from rock fragments that fall from greater heights due to gravity, and the soil develops from materials that are transported by water, wind, or ice. The types of parent materials and the conditions under which they break down will influence the properties of the soil. Soil minerals form the basis of soil, and they are produced from rocks (parent material) through the processes of weathering and natural erosion.

In summary, soil is made up of different materials called parent materials, and the type of parent material and how the soil is formed greatly influence the properties of the soil. Soil minerals form the basis of soil, and they are produced from rocks (parent material) through the processes of weathering and natural erosion. The mineral particles in soils come in a large variety of shapes and sizes and have been classified into four main size fractions. Soils vary greatly in terms of the proportions of these particles, and because of the size and nature of the particles that make up these soils, they behave very differently.

Types of soils

Soil is the thin mantle that covers the surface of the earth. To most people, soil is what you see in a freshly dug garden or a freshly ploughed farmer's field. This uppermost layer of the soil is usually some shade of brown or black. If you have the opportunity to dig deeper, or even better, have a hole dug, or find an exposed depth of soil you will see there is much more to most soils than just this topsoil. The soil below the dark surface layer is usually composed of a series of layers. These layers help to tell the story of how the soil has formed and are used to determine what type of soil it is.

Most soils have formed from rocks and sediments. Some have developed over many thousands of years by the gradual breakdown of rocks that occur beneath them and on which they lie. This is a slow process but if the soils remain reasonably undisturbed significant depths of soil can form. In many parts of the world soil development has been disturbed by various geological events. The Ice Age in particular had the great effect, scouring away existing soils, and leaving behind mixtures of rocks, sediments and soil in which new formation of soils could take place. Throughout the world new sediments are being laid down, as in the deserts and the floodplains, and soils will develop in them to become the soils of years ahead. So the development of soils is quite complex but so important for our existence on this planet. Soil development is constantly on the move and soils are in a state of constant development and change.

Each soil consists of a series of layers, termed soil horizons. It is the type, nature and arrangement of these horizons that provide the clue to how soils have formed. The soil profile is the term used for the whole depth of soil including all the layers (horizons) of soil from the surface of the ground down as far as the rock or sediment some centimetres and even metres below the surface. Soil profiles are the basis for distinguishing one type of soil from another and form the basis for the names given to soils and the way we classify soils. Just as we give plants, such as daisies or bluebells, and animals such as badgers or moles, names, so we need to distinguish different types of soils and also give them names.

Soil formation and weathering

Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down to form soils. There are three main types of weathering: physical, chemical, and biological.

1. Physical Weathering: This occurs when rocks are broken into smaller pieces through various processes. Some examples of physical weathering include:

   • Freezing and thawing: When water gets into cracks in rocks and freezes, it expands and causes the rock to break apart.

   • Wetting and drying: Rocks can expand and contract as they absorb water and then dry out, leading to their breakdown.

   • Abrasion: Rocks can be worn down by the rubbing or scraping action of other rocks or particles.

   • Root expansion: As plant roots grow, they can exert pressure on rocks and cause them to break apart.

   • Wet-dry cycles: Alternating wet and dry conditions can cause rocks to expand and contract, leading to their fragmentation.

2. Chemical Weathering: This involves the decomposition of rocks through chemical processes. Some examples of chemical weathering include:

   • Acidification: Rainwater can become slightly acidic and react with certain minerals in rocks, causing them to dissolve.

   • Dissolution: Some minerals in rocks can dissolve when they come into contact with water.

   • Oxidation: Certain minerals can react with oxygen in the air, leading to their breakdown.

3. Biological Weathering: Living organisms can also contribute to the breakdown of rocks. Some examples of biological weathering include:

   • Plant roots: As plant roots grow, they can exert pressure on rocks and cause them to crack and break apart.

   • Soil organisms: Microorganisms and other soil-dwelling organisms can produce acids that can chemically attack rocks and aid in their breakdown.

4. These weathering processes work together near the surface of the soil to break down rocks and minerals and form soil. The type of weathering that occurs in a particular region can influence the composition and texture of the soil. For example, in regions where chemical weathering dominates, soils tend to be richer in clay.

Soil formation is a continuous process as rocks and sediments are eroded away, exposing more solid rock to weathering and breakdown. Over time, the weathering processes, along with the accumulation and decay of organic matter, lead to the formation of soil. Soil is essential for sustaining plant growth and plays a critical role in our existence on Earth.

Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down to form soils. There are three main types of weathering: physical, chemical, and biological. These weathering processes work together to break down rocks and minerals and form soil. Soil formation is a continuous process influenced by factors such as climate, parent material, slope, and time.

How do soils form?

Soils form through a combination of several factors. Here is a breakdown of the main contributors to soil formation:

1. Parent Material: The parent material is the starting point for soil development. It can be mineral rock or organic matter. Over time, parent rock breaks down into smaller pieces due to weathering processes like rainfall, freezing and thawing, and the action of organisms. The composition of the parent material influences the texture, acidity, and nutrient content of the soil.

2. Climate: Climate plays a significant role in soil formation. Temperature and rainfall are the two main climatic factors that affect the rate of rock breakdown and soil development. Higher temperatures accelerate the breakdown of parent rock and release nutrients into the soil. Rainfall and snowmelt contribute to the physical and chemical weathering of rocks, as well as the distribution of nutrients in the soil. Different climates result in different types of soils, with hot, wet climates favoring deep soils and cold climates leading to thin and poorly developed soils.

3. Landscape: The topography or landscape of an area influences soil formation. Factors such as slope, aspect (direction the slope faces), and elevation affect water drainage, erosion, and the accumulation of organic matter. Steep slopes may experience more erosion, leading to thinner soils, while flat areas may have thicker soils due to sediment deposition.

4. Vegetation and Living Creatures: Vegetation and living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, play a crucial role in soil formation. Plants contribute organic matter through the accumulation and decay of plant residues, which enriches the soil with nutrients and improves its structure. Roots of plants also help break up rocks and create pore spaces in the soil. Soil organisms, such as earthworms and bacteria, aid in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling.

5. Time: Soil formation is a slow process that takes thousands to millions of years. Over time, the interactions between the other soil-forming factors gradually transform the parent material into a mature soil. The rate of soil formation depends on the intensity of weathering, erosion, and the input of organic matter.

6. Human Influence: Human activities can also impact soil formation. Agriculture, construction, mining, and other human interventions can alter the natural processes of soil formation. For example, deforestation and improper land management practices can lead to soil erosion and degradation.

These factors interact and vary from one region to another, resulting in the wide variety of soils found around the world. Understanding the processes of soil formation helps us appreciate the importance of soil for supporting plant growth, sustaining ecosystems, and providing essential resources for human activities.

Properties of soil

Soil texture and structure are two important properties of soil that affect its behavior and use. Soil texture refers to what soils are composed of and how this affects the way they feel and their cultivation. The main components of soil texture are sand, silt, clay particles, and organic matter. Soils that are dominantly composed of sand-sized particles feel gritty and contain lots of pores because of the way the grains stack together. This also means that rainwater entering the soil can easily drain away through the soil, which leads to the soils being quite droughty. Clay soils, by comparison, contain many smaller pores, which means that water does not pass through the soil as freely and means they can become waterlogged in wet periods and are sometimes difficult to cultivate.

Most soils benefit from the presence of organic matter, which comes from decaying plant remains. Organic matter plays an important part in topsoil structures and is the major 'glue' holding particles together. It can improve the workability of most soils whatever their texture. This is why farmers often add farmyard manure to the soil to increase the amount of organic matter. This then leads to the development of well-structured soils, easy to work, and ideal for farming. Gardeners also maintain good levels of organic matter in their soil for the same reasons.

Soil structure refers to the grouping of individual soil particles into larger pieces called peds or aggregates. The structure of topsoil is usually made up of aggregates of soil particles separated by pores (holes). Roots pass through these pores in search of water. Depending on the soil texture, amounts of organic matter, and the way the soils are managed, the soil structure will vary with depth in the soil and from one soil type to another. The main types of soil structure are crumb, granular, blocky, platy, and prismatic.

In summary, soil texture and structure are important properties of soil that affect its behavior and use. Soil texture refers to what soils are composed of and how this affects the way they feel and their cultivation. Most soils benefit from the presence of organic matter, which plays an important part in topsoil structures and is the major 'glue' holding particles together. Soil structure refers to the grouping of individual soil particles into larger pieces called peds or aggregates. The main types of soil structure are crumb, granular, blocky, platy, and prismatic.

SOIL Character

Soil texture and structure are two important properties of soil that affect its behavior and use. Soil texture refers to the physical components of the soil, such as sand, silt, clay particles, and organic matter. The proportion of these components in a soil sample determines its texture. Soil texture can give a guide to soil water retention and release to plants, soil structure development and stability, nutrient retention and availability, activity and retention of residual soil-acting herbicides, erodibility by wind and water, stickiness and ease of cultivation, drainage characteristics and suitability for artificial drainage, cropping suitability, and soil temperature changes.

Soil structure, on the other hand, refers to the way individual soil particles are assembled and bound into groups or aggregates. Soil structure is influenced by factors such as organic matter, soil organisms, and the type of soil particles present. Clays, organic matter, and materials excreted by soil organisms bind the soil particles together to form aggregates. Soil structure is important for plant growth, regulating soil water, and nutrient availability.

Understanding soil texture and structure is important for managing soil effectively. Soil texture and structure can influence the suitability of soil for different uses, such as farming, gardening, or construction. By understanding the properties of soil, we can make informed decisions about how to manage and use it sustainably.

PH and soil acidity

Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. It is an important property of soil that affects what can grow on it. Agricultural crops, many of which go on to become our food, require soils in a particular pH range in order to produce their best yields. Garden and wildflowers also have a pH range in which they grow best. Most organisms that live in the soil will operate in soils in a pH range that suits them. For example, earthworms have a strong preference for soils with a pH above 5.5 to just over 7.0. pH also has an important effect on the availability of plant nutrients. Several nutrients become less available at the lower end of the pH range, i.e. below pH 5.5, and the availability of a few tails off significantly at pHs above 7.5. It is important that those who use the soil for purposes that depend on soil nutrients should be aware of the best pH range for key nutrients.

Soil pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a soil solution, which is a mixture of soil and pure water. There are two types of acidity: active acidity and reserve acidity. Active acidity relates to the hydrogen ions in solution in the water that occupies the pores in the soil and occurs around particles. Reserve acidity refers to positively charged ions such as calcium, magnesium, hydrogen, and aluminum that can become available by weathering of minerals, breakdown of plant material, or addition of fertilizers. These positively charged ions on the surfaces of particles are negatively charged and act as a sort of magnet for positively charged ions. As the soil becomes more and more leached of nutrients, leaving behind mainly acidifying ions such as hydrogen and aluminum, the pH will then begin to drop, and the soil fertility will decrease.

Measuring soil pH is important for understanding the health of the soil and its ability to support plants and organisms. Soil pH meters are devices used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of soil. They work by measuring the hydrogen ion activity and this is expressed through the potential for hydrogen or ‘pH’. The pH scale ranges from 0 – 14 with 0 being extremely acidic, 7 being neutral, and 14 being alkaline. There are two methods for testing the pH of soil using a soil pH meter. This can be done either directly from the ground or by making a soil suspension with deionized water. Soil pH can also be measured using indicator solutions or test strips.

In summary, soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, which affects what can grow on it. Measuring soil pH is important for understanding the health of the soil and its ability to support plants and organisms. Soil pH meters are devices used to measure soil pH, and there are two methods for testing the pH of soil using a soil pH meter. Soil pH can also be measured using indicator solutions or test strips.

Why are there different types of soil?

Soils vary widely across the world, with over thousands of different types of soils. The formation of soils is influenced by six main factors: parent rock, climate, relief/landscape, vegetation/organisms, time, and human influence. Even within a relatively small country like the United Kingdom, there is a wide variety of natural soil-forming factors leading to a wide variety of soils. For example, the parent rock varies across the UK, with some areas having hard granite and others having soft chalk. The climate also varies, with some areas having low rainfall and others having high rainfall. The vegetation and landscape also change greatly, with different types of forests, grasslands, and moorlands. Human activities can also impact soil formation, such as deforestation and land management practices. Understanding the processes of soil formation is important for appreciating the importance of soil for supporting plant growth, sustaining ecosystems, and providing essential resources for human activities.

The soil is alive!

Soil is an ecosystem that supports a vast number of living creatures, ranging from microscopic organisms to large burrowing animals. The soil is a source of food, nutrition, and water for these creatures, and it offers a range of habitats, such as badger setts, rabbit warrens, and earthworm channels. Soil organisms play a crucial role in maintaining healthy soils by changing the physical organization of soil, adding nutrients to the soil through the breakdown of dead leaves, and controlling the populations of other soil organisms. Soil organisms are incredibly diverse in shape and behavior, and they can be classified by size, feeding habits, and burrowing activities. The most common way of classifying soil organisms is by size, separating them into macrofauna, mesofauna, microfauna, and microflora. Soil biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy soils, and understanding the soil ecosystem is crucial for sustaining plant growth, sustaining ecosystems, and providing essential resources for human activities.

Soil and plants

The soil plays a crucial role in providing anchorage for plants, including large trees like oak trees. The nature of the soil, including its texture, structure, water and nutrient supply, and depth, greatly influences what can grow in a particular soil. Plant roots have the primary function of anchoring the plant in the soil, keeping it in an upright position, and protecting it against natural forces like wind. Different plants have different root systems, with some plants developing deep taproots that penetrate several meters into the soil, while others have fibrous root systems that spread out horizontally near the soil surface.

The ability of roots to anchor plants can be affected by different types of soils. The composition and structure of the soil can impact how well roots can cling to grains and aggregates of soil. Some soils may provide better anchorage due to their texture and the presence of organic matter, while others may be less stable and prone to windblow. Factors such as soil compaction, water availability, and nutrient content can also influence root anchorage.

Overall, the soil serves as a strong foundation for plant roots, allowing them to anchor plants firmly in the ground and support their growth. Understanding the relationship between plants and soil is essential for successful gardening and sustainable land management practices.

The beginnings of soil

Soils have been forming on Earth for a very long time, dating back over 2,000 million years to the Pre-Cambrian period. During this time, soils were quite different from what we see today because there were no living creatures or green vegetation. These early soils were formed in an atmosphere with little to no oxygen and consisted mainly of green clays. They can be considered sterile as there was no organic matter present.

Around 400 million years ago, in the Devonian period, soils began to develop further. The presence of reddish and brownish soils indicated an increase in oxygen in the atmosphere due to the evolution of plants capable of photosynthesis. This period also saw the appearance of the first soil organisms, marking the true beginning of living soils as we know them.

The formation of soils is influenced by various factors, including parent rock material, climate, relief/landscape, vegetation/organisms, time, and human activities. These factors interact differently in different regions, leading to the formation of a wide variety of soils worldwide. For example, the parent rock material determines the texture and nutrient content of the soil, while climate affects the rate of weathering and the distribution of nutrients. Relief/landscape influences soil erosion and deposition, and vegetation/organisms contribute to the organic matter content and nutrient cycling in the soil. Time plays a crucial role in the development of soils, as it takes hundreds or even thousands of years for significant changes to occur. Finally, human activities, such as agriculture and land management, can also impact soil formation.

Overall, the formation of soils is a complex and fascinating process that has shaped the Earth's surface over millions of years. Understanding the factors that influence soil formation is essential for managing and preserving this vital resource.

Soil is a critical component of our planet's ecosystem, and it provides many essential services for both people and the planet. Here are some reasons why soil is important, based on the search results:

• Soil filters and purifies our water, making it safe to drink.

• Soil provides essential nutrients to our forests and crops, which are necessary for healthy plant growth and human nutrition.

• Soil helps regulate the Earth's temperature and stores vast amounts of carbon, making it a crucial tool in the fight against climate change.

• Soil is home to billions of organisms that make up a diverse ecosystem, including earthworms, termites, and micro-organisms that fix nitrogen and decompose organic matter.

• Soil helps to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods.

• Soil acts as a holding facility for solid waste, which can help reduce pollution.

• Soil is a critical component of our planet's infrastructure, and we build on it as well as with it.

• Soil is the backbone of our food security, and without healthy soils, farmers wouldn’t be able to provide us with feed, fiber, food, and fuel.

• Soil is essential for healthy plant growth, human nutrition, and water filtration.

• Healthy soil supports a landscape that is more resilient to the impacts of drought, flood, or fire.

Overall, soil is a vital resource that supports life on Earth in many ways. Without healthy soils, human life would be very difficult, and we would be unable to grow the food we need to survive.

How does soil store carbon?

Soil stores carbon through a process called soil carbon sequestration. Here is an explanation of how soil stores carbon, based on the search results:

1. Carbon Inputs: Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. They convert this carbon into organic matter, such as leaves, stems, and roots. When plants die or shed their organic material, it becomes part of the soil.

2. Soil Organic Matter: The organic matter derived from plants is known as soil organic matter (SOM). SOM is made up of various components, including plant residues, decomposed organic material, and microbial biomass. It is rich in carbon.

3. Microbial Activity: Soil microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, break down the organic matter in the soil through decomposition. During this process, carbon is released as carbon dioxide through soil respiration. However, some of the carbon remains in the soil as stable organic compounds.

4. Physical Protection: Soil provides a physical environment that protects organic matter from decomposition. The soil matrix, consisting of minerals and aggregates, can physically shield the organic matter from microbial activity and prevent it from being rapidly decomposed. This allows carbon to be stored in the soil for longer periods.

5. Soil Aggregation: Aggregates, which are formed by the binding of soil particles, play a crucial role in carbon storage. Organic matter can become physically trapped within these aggregates, making it less accessible to decomposition. Aggregation enhances the stability of carbon in the soil.

6. Land Management Practices: Certain land management practices can enhance soil carbon storage. For example, reducing soil disturbance through practices like low-till or no-till farming can help preserve soil organic matter. Planting cover crops, practicing crop rotation, and adding organic amendments can also increase carbon inputs to the soil.

Overall, soil stores carbon through the accumulation of organic matter derived from plants, the activity of soil microorganisms, and the physical protection provided by the soil matrix and aggregates. Soil carbon sequestration is an important process that helps mitigate climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil

How does soil carbon sequestration contribute to mitigating climate change?

Soil carbon sequestration plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Here's how it contributes to climate change mitigation, based on the search results:

1. Carbon Storage: Soil acts as a reservoir for carbon, storing it in the form of soil organic carbon (SOC). By increasing SOC levels, soil can effectively remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it for extended periods.

2. Carbon Offsetting: Soil-based carbon sequestration is considered a "negative emissions" technology. It offsets carbon emissions by removing CO2 from the air and storing it in the soil, preventing it from contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming2.

3. Climate Resilience: Healthy soil with an adequate amount of SOC enhances climate resilience. It helps plants cope with climate change impacts such as droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures. Soil rehabilitation and maintenance practices can contribute to climate resilience by sequestering carbon and improving soil health.

4. Restoration of Degraded Soils: Soil carbon sequestration can restore degraded soils, enhancing their productivity and resilience. By increasing SOC levels, degraded soils can regain their fertility, support plant growth, and improve water purification.

5. Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Soil carbon sequestration can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By storing carbon in the soil, it prevents the release of CO2 into the atmosphere, which is the main greenhouse gas responsible for climate change.

6. Win-Win Strategy: Soil carbon sequestration is considered a win-win strategy. It not only mitigates climate change but also provides additional benefits such as enhanced biomass production, improved water quality, and restoration of degraded soils.

Overall, soil carbon sequestration contributes to climate change mitigation by removing CO2 from the atmosphere, storing carbon in the soil, enhancing climate resilience, restoring degraded soils, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is an important tool in the fight against climate change

The importance of soil in the foundation of agriculture

Soil is a critical component of agriculture, and it plays a vital role in the foundation of agriculture. Here are some reasons why soil is important in agriculture, based on the search results:

1. Nutrient Cycling: Soil provides essential nutrients to plants, which are necessary for healthy plant growth and human nutrition. Soil is a source of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth245.

2. Water Management: Soil helps regulate water flow and storage, which is critical for plant growth. Soil acts as a sponge, absorbing and holding water, which is then available for plant uptake. Soil also filters and purifies water, making it safe to drink26.

3. Soil Health: Soil health is essential for agriculture, and it is the foundation of agroecological farming. Healthy soils are necessary for sustainable food production, which is crucial to addressing the climate, nature, and health crises. Soil is home to millions of living things, and it is the source of life3.

4. Soil Fertility: Soil fertility is essential for agriculture, and it is the ability of soil to provide essential nutrients to plants. Soil fertility is necessary for high crop yields, and it can be maintained through soil amendments such as animal manure, charcoal, ash, and lime5.

5. Soil Structure: Soil structure is critical for agriculture, and it refers to the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates. Soil structure affects water infiltration, root growth, and nutrient availability. Soil structure can be improved through practices such as low-till or no-till farming, crop rotation, and adding organic amendments13.

Overall, soil is essential for agriculture, and it provides many essential services for plant growth and human nutrition. Soil is a source of essential nutrients, regulates water flow and storage, and supports soil health and fertility. Soil structure is also critical for agriculture, and it affects water infiltration, root growth, and nutrient availability

Here is a list of words related to soil and soil health, based on the search results:

• Soil

• Ground

• Loam

• Humus

• Dirt

• Earth

• Sand

• Clay

• Dust

• Muck

• Sewage

• Sludge

• Garbage

• Litter

• Filth

• Territory

• Country

• Land

• Soil structure

• Soil degradation

• The soil food web

• Soil microbes

• Beneficial soil bacteria

• soil organic carbon (SOC)

• soil organic matter (SOM)

These words are related to the physical properties of soil, as well as its composition and health. Some of the words are synonyms for soil, while others describe specific aspects of soil health and structure