Mineral Riches

in the Soil

simrah
Soil Formation

Soil is the thin layer of loose material covering the

earth’s surface. It is composed of both organic and
inorganic materials. The formation of soil is an
extremely long processClick totaking
add text up to an average of a
thousand years. Soil is formed when surface rocks
break into several smaller particles, called regolith,
which then gets mixed with varied organic matter. This
whole process is called Weathering

Simrah
 Soil Composition

Soil is essential a mix of various particles

and substances. So let us have a look at
all the things that make up.
Minerals
Humus
Living Organisms
Water and Air

simrah
 Minerals in Soil

As we have seen above, soil is a mixture of

various components. Now let us explore the
importance of the minerals present in the soil.
Minerals are the largest component in the soil,
making up almost 40% to 45% of the total
components

sweekar
The minerals in the soil are classified into
two categories, namely
• Primary Minerals
• Secondary Minerals in soil

sweekar
Primary Minerals in soil

• These are minerals which have not

been chemically altered since
deposition. They are same or similar
to their parent materials. Often these
materials are bigger in size and
irregular in shape. These primary
minerals are usually found in sand
and silt.

Saneeha
Secondary Minerals in soil
• these are minerals formed as a result of
weathering of Primary Minerals.
Secondary minerals are mainly found in
fine silt or clay. The particle size of these
minerals is much smaller, due to the
weathering process. These minerals
have a large surface area that helps
them retain moisture.

Sanjana
important functions of minerals
• Now one of the most important
functions of minerals in soil is the
assistance it provides to plant life.
• Plants need a number of minerals for a
healthy life and growth. These minerals
are absorbed from the soil via the roots
of the plants and trees.

vaibhav
• The two most important a plant needs are
nitrate and magnesium.
• Nitrate is the main source of amino acids
which are the main ingredient required to
make proteins.
• Magnesium is essential in the production
of chlorophyll which allows
photosynthesis.
• If these essential minerals are not
available to plants, its stunts their growth

vaibhav
Q AND A
• What are two categories of minerals?
• What are some important functions of
minerals?