Science involves the systematic exploration of nature's knowledge, acquired through observation, hypothesis, and experimentation, culminating in the development of theories and laws. Nature encompasses a spectrum of entities, comprising both living and non-living components.
Soil, a complex amalgamation of living and non-living elements, features non-living constituents such as sand, silt, and clay, alongside living portion like soil microorganisms or Soil biota, Serving as a medium for growth of plant . Let's first briefly examine the non-living constituents within soil, encompassing solid, liquid, and gaseous forms.
The
Solid Phase: The
solid phase serves as the primary reservoir for the majority of plant
nutrients, offering essential physical support to plants and providing a medium
for retaining added nutrients within the root zone. Comprising two fundamental
components—mineral (inorganic) and organic—the solid phase plays a crucial role
in sustaining plant life. The mineral component encompasses primary and
secondary minerals, amorphous substances, and fragments of parent rocks. On the
other hand, the organic component embraces a diverse range, including soil
fauna (animals) and flora (plants), plant roots, residues, and humus.
Organic
Soil Component:
The organic part of the soil is vital for soil fertility as it serves as the
main source of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, sulphur, and phosphorus. Soil
organic matter, found in this component, is crucial for maintaining a healthy
soil structure, which, in turn, affects how water, air, and temperature are
managed in the soil.
Liquid
Phase (Soil Solution):
The liquid phase, or soil solution, is responsible for transporting nutrients
in the soil. It is the immediate source of nutrients and water that plants
absorb through their roots. The solid and liquid phases of the soil maintain a
dynamic equilibrium, ensuring a balanced nutrient environment.
Gaseous
Phase: In the
gaseous phase, soil gases, similar to those in the atmosphere above the soil,
occupy soil pores alongside water. The concentration of gases in the soil, such
as carbon dioxide, can differ from the atmosphere due to processes like root
respiration and the decomposition of organic matter. This phase also provides
oxygen for the respiration of plant roots and soil organisms.
The graph illustrates that half (50%) of the soil composition is solid material. This solid phase is further divided into two main components:
- Inorganic Material (45%): Nearly half of the solid
component comprises inorganic material, offering stability to the soil
structure and supplying essential minerals for plant development.
- Organic Material (5%): The remaining portion
consists of organic material, contributing to soil fertility and enhancing
its overall structure.
Pore
Space (Gaseous and Liquid Phases):
The other half (50%) of the graph represents the pore space within the soil.
- Water Content (25%): Pore space is occupied by water.
- Air content (25%): Occupied by air
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