What is soil?It would seem a simple matter.We all know what it is.Every day we walk on it, the plants are planted in it, which gives us the harvest.We fertilize the ground, dig it.Sometimes you can hear that the land infertile.But what do we know about the soil really?In most cases, only that it is the top layer of the earth's surface.And it's not so much.Let's look at the components of a land, as it can be produced and how.
Soil composition
Thus, the soil - it is the top layer of fertile land.It consists of various components.In it, in addition to particulate matter include air and water, and even organisms.Actually the latter play a vital role in its formation.From micro-organisms depends on the degree of fertility.In general, the soil consists of phases: solid, liquid, gaseous, and "live".Let us examine what components of their form.
Solid particles include various minerals and chemical elements.The composition of soil includes almost the entire periodic table, but at different concentrations.From component of particulate matter depends on the degree of soil fertility.Liquid components are also called soil solution.This water, which dissolves the chemical elements.The liquid is, even in desert soils, but she was miserable number.
So, what is in the soil, in addition to these basic components?The space between the solid particles filled gaseous components.Soil air consists of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and organic compounds.Thanks to him, in the land there are various processes, such as respiration and decay of plant roots.Living organisms - fungi, bacteria, invertebrates and algae - are actively involved in the process of soil formation and significantly alter its composition, making chemicals.
mechanical structure of the soil
What is in the soil, it is now clear.But whether it is homogeneous structure?It is no secret that the soil is different.It can be sandy and clayey or stony.Thus, the ground consists of particles of different sizes.Its structure may include the huge boulders and tiny grains of sand.Typically, particles in the soil, are divided into several groups: clay, silt, sand, gravel.It is important for agriculture.That structure of the soil determines the degree of effort that must be applied in order to process it.Also it depends on how well the land will absorb the moisture.Good soil contains equal percentages of sand and clay.This land is called loam.If a little more than sand, the soil crumbly and easy to work.But while such soil retains less water and minerals.Clay ground damp and sticky.It is poorly drained.But while it is in this contains most of the nutrients.
role of microorganisms in the formation of soil
From that, the components of a soil depends on its properties.But not only this determines its quality.From the remains of dead animals and plants into the soil organic matter fall.This is due to microorganisms - saprophytes.They play a crucial role in the decomposition process.Thanks to their vigorous activity in the soil builds up a so-called humus.This substance is dark brown.The humus composition comprises esters of fatty acids, phenolic compounds and carboxylic acids.In the soil particles of this material are glued together with the clay.It turns a single complex.Humus improves the quality of the land.Enhances its ability to retain moisture and minerals.The marshland education humus mass is very slow.Organic residues gradually compressed into peat.
process of soil formation
Soil is formed slowly.To update was complete its mineral part to a depth of about 1 meter, to be at least 10 thousand years.So, what is in the soil - are products of continuous operation of wind and water.So where there is soil?
is primarily pieces of rocks.They are the basis of the soil.Under the influence of climatic factors are destroyed and crushed, settling on the ground.Gradually the mineral soil populated with microorganisms that by recycling organic remains form the humus in it.Invertebrates, constantly breaking through in her moves, her loosened, contributing to good aeration.
Over time, soil structure change, it becomes more fertile.Also this process is influenced by the plant.Forth, they contribute to soil organic matter, changing its microclimate.The formation of the soil also affects human activity.He cultivates and processes the earth.But if the soil is barren of components, the man fertilizes her, bringing both mineral and organic fertilizing.
Classification of soil composition
general, common soil classification does not currently exist.Yet they are divided on the mechanical structure into several groups.This separation is especially important in agriculture.Thus, the classification is based on how the soil consists of clay:
- loose sand (less than 5%);
- connected sand (5-10%);
- sandy (11-20%);
- loamy (21-30%);
- srednesuglinistye (31-45%);
- loamy (46-60%);
- clay (60%).
What does the term "fertile" soil?
That is what parts of the soil affects the degree of fertility.But what makes the land itself?Soil composition depends on many factors.This climate, and an abundance of plants, and the presence of organisms that live in it.All this affects the chemical composition of the soil.On which components are contained in the soil, and it depends on the degree of fertility.Very useful for high yield considered mineral components such as calcium, nitrogen, copper, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.These substances fall into the ground by the decomposition of organic residues.If the soil is rich in mineral compounds, it is fertile.It will bloom luxuriantly plants.This soil is ideal for growing vegetable and fruit crops.
