Soil is the topmost layer of Earth. It is the warehouse of nutrients, life forms, and water. It plays an essential role in supporting life on Earth. Over a long period of time, soil has evolved due to several biological, geologic, climatic, and topographical factors. As a result, the nature of soil differs across different geographical locations. Irrespective of its utility, soil continues to remain an important layer on Earth’s crust.

When rocks and minerals are broken due to water, air, and external pressure, it turns into soil. Over a period of time, humus is added to it that adds nutrition to the soil and allows life in it. The quality of soil plays a significant role in determining the type of crops that can be grown. There are generally 4 types of soil. They are sandy soil, silt soil, clay soil, and loamy soil. Sandy soil is extremely porous, has poor water holding capacity, and lack nutrients. Therefore, it is not considered good for agriculture. Silt soil is found near lakes and rivers and has good water retaining capacity. It is the most appropriate soil for agriculture. Clay soil is dense and has good water storage capacity. However, it does not allow air to penetrate or plant roots to move. Lastly, loamy soil is a combination of the above mentioned three soils. It has good capacity to retain water and nutrients.

Soil is a significant layer on Earth’s crust as it supports several life systems. It is the carrier of an elaborate food chain on Earth and home to millions of animals and insects. We are aware that plants and treesprovide food, purify air, and maintain the temperature. Soil provides them space and nutrients to grow. All organisms that live on land eventually die on land and are turned into soil. Furthermore, soil provides space to water to seep within thereby adding to the groundwater and preventing floods.

Humans consider soil as an essential layer on Earth as it supports their life system by providing food. Be it practicing agriculture or providing fodder to the cattle, soil is essential to grow plants that can be consumed to survive. It has been used and reused multiple times to practice agriculture and serve the ever growing population of humans.

Although it’s a life and means to fulfill the needs of all life forms, it has been overused, and overburdened, and the nutrients are depleting.Not only does life begins inthe soil in the form of plants that provide food and fresh air to breathe but also ends in the soil in the form of humus. Therefore, it is important that we replenish the soil with its nutrients. It is possible by planting more trees, adding manure to the soil, and allowing it the time to replenish.

Did you enjoy learning about soil? Download the Practically app and learn about more much with our 3D Videos, AR experiences, and Simulations. Download the app now!