Soil Science
1. Soil Profile
A soil profile is a vertical section of soil that shows different layers, called horizons. These
horizons include:
• O-Horizon (Organic Layer) – Composed of decomposed plant and animal material.
• A-Horizon (Topsoil) – Rich in organic matter and minerals, crucial for plant growth.
• B-Horizon (Subsoil) – Contains minerals leached from the topsoil.
• C-Horizon (Parent Material) – Contains weathered rock fragments.
• R-Horizon (Bedrock) – The solid rock layer beneath the soil.
2. Soil Texture
Soil texture refers to the relative proportion of sand, silt, and clay in soil. It affects water
retention, drainage, and fertility.
• Sand – Large particles, high drainage, poor nutrient retention.
• Silt – Medium-sized particles, good fertility and water retention.
• Clay – Small particles, retains water, poor drainage but rich in nutrients.
3. Useful Microorganisms
Soil contains various beneficial microbes that help in plant growth:
• Bacteria – Decompose organic matter, fix nitrogen (e.g., Rhizobium, Azotobacter).
• Fungi – Help in decomposition and nutrient absorption (e.g., Mycorrhizae).
• Actinomycetes – Decompose organic material and produce antibiotics.
• Protozoa & Algae – Improve soil fertility by recycling nutrients.
4. EC and pH of Soil
• EC (Electrical Conductivity) – Measures soil salinity; affects plant growth.
• pH of Soil – Determines soil acidity or alkalinity (Scale 0-14):
o Acidic soil (pH < 6) – Found in high-rainfall areas.
o Neutral soil (pH 6-7.5) – Ideal for most crops.
o Alkaline soil (pH > 7.5) – Found in arid regions.
5. Hydrous Mica
Hydrous mica (also called illite) is a type of clay mineral that holds potassium and other
nutrients, helping in soil fertility.
6. Soil Colour
Soil color depends on its mineral content and organic matter:
• Dark brown/black – High organic matter, fertile soil.
• Red/yellow – High iron oxide content.
• White/gray – Indicates silica, calcium carbonate, or poor drainage.
7. Soil Contaminants
Soil contamination occurs due to pollutants like pesticides, heavy metals (lead, mercury), and
industrial waste, reducing soil fertility and harming plants.
8. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
CEC is the ability of soil to hold and exchange nutrients (like calcium, magnesium,
potassium) essential for plant growth.
• Clay and organic matter have high CEC, making them good at nutrient retention.
9. Buffering Capacity
Soil buffering capacity is its ability to resist changes in pH. It helps maintain soil fertility by
stabilizing nutrient availability.
10. Soils of India
India has different types of soil based on climate and geology:
• Alluvial Soil – Found in river plains, fertile, rich in minerals.
• Black Soil – Rich in clay, retains moisture, ideal for cotton.
• Red Soil – High in iron, found in warm climates.
• Laterite Soil – Rich in aluminum and iron, used for brick making.
• Desert Soil – Sandy, low in moisture and organic matter.
11. Soil Pollution
Soil pollution occurs due to:
• Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Industrial waste and heavy metal contamination.
• Deforestation and improper waste disposal.
12. Soil Reaction / Soil pH
Soil reaction refers to the interaction of soil with water and nutrients, determining pH
balance and nutrient availability.
13. Soil Temperature
• Affects seed germination, root growth, and microbial activity.
• Warm soil promotes faster plant growth, while cold soil slows down biological
processes.
14. Soil Microorganisms
Soil microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, play an essential role in:
• Decomposing organic matter.
• Fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere into a usable form.
• Suppressing plant diseases and enhancing soil structure.
15. Soil Organisms
Includes larger organisms like earthworms, insects, and nematodes, which help in:
• Improving soil aeration.
• Decomposing organic material.
• Enhancing nutrient cycling.
16. Soil Water
Soil holds water in different forms:
• Gravitational Water – Drains quickly, not available to plants.
• Capillary Water – Held between soil particles, most useful for plants.
• Hygroscopic Water – Forms a thin film around soil particles, not available to
plants.
17. Rock
Rocks break down over time to form parent material for soil. Types of rocks:
• Igneous Rocks – Formed from cooled magma (e.g., basalt, granite).
• Sedimentary Rocks – Formed by deposition (e.g., limestone, sandstone).
• Metamorphic Rocks – Formed under heat and pressure (e.g., marble, slate).
18. Soil Taxonomy
Soil taxonomy is the classification of soil based on its physical, chemical, and biological
properties.
• Orders include Alfisols, Mollisols, Ultisols, Oxisols, etc..
19. Soil Components
Soil is composed of:
• Minerals (45%) – Provides nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Organic Matter (5%) – Includes decomposed plants and microbes.
• Air (25%) – Essential for root respiration.
• Water (25%) – Needed for plant growth and nutrient transport.