Formation, Composition and Properties

Soils are complex mixtures of minerals,

water, air, organic matter, and
countless organisms that are the
decaying remains of once-living
things.
 Soils serve as media for growth of all kinds
of plants.
 Soils modify the atmosphere by emitting
and absorbing gases and dust.
 Soils provide habitat for animals that live in
and microorganisms (such as bacteria and
fungi).
 Soils absorb, hold, release, alter, and purify
most of the water in terrestrial systems.
 Soils process recycled nutrients, including
carbon, so that living things can use them
over and over again.
 Soils serve as engineering media for
construction of foundations, roadbeds,
dams and buildings, and preserve or destroy
artifacts.
 Minerals

Micro-
Water
organisms

Soil
Organic
Gases
Matter
 Minerals - The largest component of soil,
which makes up about 45% of its
volume. Minerals are sub-divided into
two (2) categories:
 Primary Minerals – Found in sand and silt
and are often round or irregular shaped.
 Secondary Minerals - Results from the
weathering of primary minerals to form
stable mineral forms. E.g. Silicate Clay
 Water - Water can make up
approximately 2% to 50% of the soil
volume. Water is important for
transporting nutrients to growing
plants and soil organisms.
 Organic Matter - Found in soils at
levels of approximately 1% to 5%.
Organic matter is derived from dead
plants and animals.
 Gases - Air can occupy the same
spaces as water, it can make up
approximately 2% to 50% of the soil
volume.
 Microorganisms - Makes up much less
than 1% of the soil volume.
Microorganisms are the primary
decomposers of raw organic matter.
Decomposers consume organic matter,
water, and air to recycle raw organic
matter into humus, which is rich in
readily available plant nutrients.
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http://articles.extension.org/pages/54401/ba
sic-soil-components