User:Maruthi k m

SOIL
Soil is important natural resource on the earth surface.Most of the world agriculture is depends upon the good quality soil.

Definition of soil.

The thin layer of grainy substances covering the earth surface is called soil, it is the top layer of the Earth and soil is generally softer than the rocky particleIs. soil is closely associated with land surface.Soil is made up of Organic matter, Minerals and Weathered rocks found on the earth surface. Most important thing in the soil formation is  the process of weathering.

Weathering refers to the process of breaking and decaying of exposed rocks on the earth surface due to changes in the climatic condtions like temperature,frost actions and influence  of plants, animals and human activities.The right mix of minerals and organic matter determines the fertility of the soil.

Note- It takes hundreds of years to make just one centimeter of soil.

Factors responisble for soil formation
There are certain factors which influences the soil formation

1.Parent rock : It determines the colour, texture ,chemical properties, mineral content , and permeability.

2. Climate   :   It determines the temperature, rainfall influences the rate of weathering and humus formation.

3. Relief  :     It consist the altitude and slope determines the accumulation of soil

4.Flora, Fauna and Micro-organism :   It helps in the formation of humus.

5.Time :It determines the thickness of the soil profile.