Land Resources

Reasons to study soils include understanding its roles and functions, characteristics of healthy soils, soil damage risks, and its importance as a finite resource for the survival of living beings.

The various definitions of soil mentioned in the text are 'natural medium for the growth of land plants' and 'comprised of solids, liquids, gases occurring on land surface, occupies space, characterized by horizons caused by additions, losses, transformations, transfers, or the ability to support rooted plants in a natural environment.'

Soil is often derived from rock, which is broken into small pieces through physical weathering (freezing and thawing in colder climates) and chemical weathering (in warmer climates). Once cracks form in the rock and plants can take hold, the plants continue to break the rock into smaller pieces by root action and start to add organic matter. Organisms also affect the soil by burrowing into and mixing the soil, releasing nutrients, and contributing to decomposition.

<p>The roles and functions of soil mentioned in the text include providing a natural medium for plant growth, supporting terrestrial ecosystems, and serving as a base for the survival of living beings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The increased demand on land in modern times due to the rise in human population and resultant activities has resulted in degradation of land quality and quantity, decline in crop production, and competition for land.</p> Signup and view all the answers