Healthy Soil, Healthy Farming.
What is soil?
- Highly complex assemblage of:
- geological materials,
- dead organic matter,
- living roots,
- animals and microbes,
- soil water
- soil atmosphere.
- They form a dynamic system in which the line between living and dead frequently becomes academic.
Farming in Germany using latest Interra Scan soil mapping service from Syngenta
Soil Science for Agronomy
1. Introduction to Soil
Soil is the naturally occurring, unconsolidated material at the Earth’s surface capable of supporting plant growth. It is formed over long periods through natural processes and contains minerals, organic matter, air, water, and living organisms. Soil is a dynamic system essential for agriculture and must be managed carefully because it takes millions of years to form.
2. Importance of Soil in Agriculture
Soil supports plant growth by supplying water, nutrients, and oxygen while anchoring roots. It also hosts organisms that recycle nutrients and maintain soil health. Poor soil management can lead to erosion, compaction, and reduced fertility.
3. Soil Formation
Soil develops through the interaction of parent material, climate, topography, living organisms, and time. These factors determine soil properties such as texture, depth, and fertility.
4. Soil Composition
Soil is made up of mineral particles, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. A typical soil consists of approximately 45% mineral material, 25% water, 25% air, and 5% organic matter.
5. Soil Texture
Soil texture refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles. Texture influences water retention, drainage, nutrient holding capacity, erosion risk, and cultivatability.
6. Soil Types
Sandy soils are free-draining but low in nutrients. Silty soils retain more water and nutrients. Loamy soils are balanced and ideal for crops. Clay soils hold nutrients well but are difficult to work. Peaty soils are high in organic matter but prone to degradation. Chalky soils are alkaline and often shallow.
7. Organic Matter
Organic matter comes from decomposed plants and animals and forms humus. It improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. Levels vary from about 1% in sandy soils to over 30% in peat soils.
8. Soil Biology
Soil contains a complex ecosystem of organisms including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and earthworms. These organisms break down organic matter and support plant growth through nutrient cycling.
9. Soil Water and Air
Soil pores hold water and air, both essential for plant growth. Sandy soils have more air and drain quickly, while clay soils retain more water but may restrict aeration.
10. Soil pH
Soil pH affects nutrient availability. If the pH is too high or too low, nutrients may become unavailable to plants even if they are present in the soil.
11. Soil Sampling
Soil samples are collected from the top 15–20 cm across a field to assess nutrient levels and pH. This information is used to guide fertiliser and lime applications.
12. Soil Erosion
Soil erosion occurs when soil is removed by wind or water. It can be caused by poor management and can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil. Preventing erosion is essential for sustainable agriculture.
13. Summary
Soil is a vital resource for agriculture. Understanding its properties and managing it correctly ensures productive and sustainable crop production.
An in depth video about the foundation for all agriculture…
Quick Soil facts:
| Soil Facts https://www.soilassociation.org/ |
| Healthy soils have six different layers . |
| It is estimated that more than half of all earth species live in the soil! |
| One gram of soil (a quarter of a tablespoon) can harbour up to 10 billion organisms – that’s more than the number of people living on the planet! |
| Only about 1% of the microorganisms found in soil have been identified so far |
| 95% of food production relies on the soil |
| Soils store more carbon than the atmosphere, and all of the world’s plants and forests combined. |
| Earthworms are a real hero of healthy soils – Earthworms do amazing work in soils! Their activity offers many benefits, from increased nutrient availability and better drainage, to creating a more stable soil structure. |
| Every minute we lose the equivalent of 30 football pitches of fertile soil. |
| Organic farms have 20% more organic matter in their soil on average. |
Below is presentation which gives more details about soil.