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Questions and Answers
What percentage of a soil is composed of minerals?
What percentage of a soil is composed of minerals?
What is the primary function of soil for a farmer?
What is the primary function of soil for a farmer?
What determines the soil texture?
What determines the soil texture?
According to a soil scientist, what is soil?
According to a soil scientist, what is soil?
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What are the two main components of a soil?
What are the two main components of a soil?
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What is the approximate percentage of organic matter in a soil?
What is the approximate percentage of organic matter in a soil?
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Study Notes
Soil and its Importance
- Soil is the upper layer of earth that supports plant growth by providing water, nutrients, and physical strength to roots.
- It is a blend of organic matter, minerals, water, and air.
Composition of Soil
- Minerals: 45% of soil composition
- Organic Matter: 0-5% of soil composition
- Air: 25% of soil composition
- Water: 25% of soil composition
Physical Properties of Soil
- Include size of soil particles, soil structure, pore size, and water holding capacity
- Soil texture is determined by the relative proportion of different sized soil mineral particles (sand, silt, and clay)
- There are three main soil types based on texture
Soil Perspectives
- From a farmer's perspective, soil is an upper layer of earth that meets crop requirements
- From a soil scientist's perspective, soil is a dynamic natural body developed by natural forces acting on parent material
- Soil is considered "lively" by soil scientists due to the presence of microbes and its role in providing nutrients for plant growth
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Description
Understand the basics of soil science, including the definition of soil, its composition, and its importance for plant growth. Learn about the different layers of soil and how it supports plant life.
