essay types of soil

• Soil Composition and Formation

In this article, we’ll discuss soil composition, formation of soil, and different types of soil, such as sandy, clay, silt, peat, chalk, and loamy soil.

The layer of earth that is composed of soil and involved in the process of soil formation is called Pedosphere. Soil is an important natural resource that consists of minerals, organic matter, air, and water.

Soil Composition

1. minerals:.

Minerals are present in soil due to the weathering of rocks, which adds silica, calcium, mica, iron and many elements to make soil. These minerals give plants nutrients, and they make up 45% of the soil’s composition.

Minerals are of two main types: primary minerals , which are found in sand and silt as they are similar to the parent material from which they are formed.  Secondary minerals are formed from the weathering of rocks, releasing ions and mineral forms like silicate clay.

2. Organic matter:

Organic matter present in soil is made up of dead plants, animals, and microbes. This organic matter contributes to the soil’s fertility. Only 2-10% of organic matter is present in the soil.

3. Air and water:

Air and water make up 50% of the soil composition, which means the soil has empty space. called pores, which both air and water can fill.

4. Earthworms:

Earthworms, also called farmers’ friends, help in aerating the soil, decomposing organic matter, and making soil rich nutrients. The different combinations of sand, silt, and clay that are present in the soil determine its texture. For example, if soil has 20% clay, 40% sand, and 40% silt, then the soil is loamy.

Formation of Soil

The different ways that rocks weather (fragment) result in the formation of natural soil are as follows:

• Physical weathering is the breakdown or fragmentation of rocks due to change in temperature or water forces. It takes place near the surface of Earth.
• Chemical weathering is the breakdown of rocks due to chemical reactions between minerals of rocks with air, water, or any other chemical. This process can alter the chemical composition of the soil.
• Biological weathering, such as burrowing, is the fragmentation of rocks by living organisms. Animals bring water and air into the rock, or plant roots that grow into cracks in rocks can split them.

There are five factors that affect the formation of soil: parent material, biotic organisms, climate, topography, and time.

Different Types of Soil

1. sandy soil:.

has a large proportion of sand and less amount of clay; therefore, it is highly porous and has a high water percolation rate. Light in weight, dry, and low in nutrients. The sandy soil is formed from the weathering of granite, limestone, and quartz. Due to the large pore size This soil is not ideal for growing vegetation, but we can still grow potatoes, China rose, etc.

2. Clay soil:

It is the soil that has a large quantity of nutrients present in it, making clay soil dense and heaviest of all. It has excellent water-holding capacity due to the little air space. Clay soil has a large proportion of clay, which is around 25%. These types of soil are dry in summer and cold and wet in winter. We can grow broccoli, cauliflower, and many more in this type of soil.

3. Silt soil:

This soil has medium-sized particles, allowing it to have well drainage and moisture holding capacity. This soil has high fertility and is light in weight. This type of soil is mainly found near river lakes and other water bodies. Rains and currents can wash silt soil away. We can grow tomatoes and daffodils in this type of soil.

4. Peat soil:

It has a large amount of organic matter, which is rich in dead plants, giving it a black and dark brown color. Because of its high humus content, it has a high water retention capacity. It is useful for growing saplings and provides a perfect base for planting. This type of soil is used for growing onions, carrots, lettuce, and rice.

5. Chalk soil:

Chalk soil is made up of limestone and is alkaline in nature, due to large amounts of calcium carbonate. If the percentage of clay is high in this soil, then this soil becomes capable of holding organic matter and nutrients. This type of soil supports the growth of asparagus, cucumbers, and lavender.

6. Loamy soil:

It is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay and therefore has the benefits of all three soils. It holds a sufficient amount of moisture and nutrients and has a sufficient drainage system, making it the best choice for crop cultivation. It is also called agriculture soil due to the right amount of air passage and water that can easily seep to the roots, helping the plants to flourish. Dark in color, as rich in organic matter. This type of soil is used for growing all types of fruits, vegetables, cereals, oilseeds, and pulses. If you want to explore more about soil formation and related topics, visit here .

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• Types Of Soil

Types of Soil

Table of Contents

Overview of Soil

Important questions and answers about soil.

From a general perspective, “soil” is a very broad term and refers to the loose layer of earth that covers the surface of the planet. The soil is the part of the earth’s surface, which includes disintegrated rock, humus, inorganic and organic materials. For soil to form from rocks, it takes an average of 500 years or more. The soil is usually formed when rocks break up into their constituent parts. When a range of different forces acts on the rocks, they break into smaller parts to form the soil. These forces also include the impact of wind, water, and salts’ reaction.

• Soil with air in the pores
• Soil with water in the pores

Various types of soil undergo diverse environmental pressures. Soil is mainly classified by its texture, proportions and different forms of organic and mineral compositions.

Types of soils

Soil is classified into four types:

• Sandy soil.
• Loamy Soil.

The first type of soil is sand. It consists of small particles of weathered rock. Sandy soils are one of the poorest types of soil for growing plants because it has very low nutrients and poor water holding capacity, which makes it hard for the plant’s roots to absorb water. This type of soil is very good for the drainage system. Sandy soil is usually formed by the breakdown or fragmentation of rocks like granite, limestone and quartz.

Silt, which is known to have much smaller particles compared to sandy soil and is made up of rock and other mineral particles, which are smaller than sand and larger than clay. It is the smooth and fine quality of the soil that holds water better than sand.  Silt is easily transported by moving currents and it is mainly found near the river, lakes and other water bodies. The silt soil is more fertile compared to the other three types of soil. Therefore, it is also used in agricultural practices to improve soil fertility.

Clay is the smallest particle among the other two types of soil. The particles in this soil are tightly packed together with each other with very little or no airspace. This soil has very good water storage qualities and makes it hard for moisture and air to penetrate into it. It is very sticky to the touch when wet but smooth when dried.  Clay is the densest and heaviest type of soil which does not drain well or provide space for plant roots to flourish.

Loam is the fourth type of soil. It is a combination of sand, silt and clay such that the beneficial properties of each are included. For instance, it has the ability to retain moisture and nutrients; hence, it is more suitable for farming. This soil is also referred to as  agricultural soil as it includes an equilibrium of all three types of soil materials, being sandy, clay, and silt, and it also happens to have humus.  Apart from these, it also has higher calcium and pH levels because of its inorganic origins.

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• What Is Soil

The ground on which we walk is never quite the same; it keeps on changing. Sometimes, it is made up of millions of tiny sand granules and other times; it is a hard, rocky surface. Other places have the ground covered with moss and grass. When humans came along, the landscape slowly changed with the introduction of roads and rails.

1. State the classifications of soil.

Soil can be classified into three primary types based on its texture – sand, silt and clay. However, the percentage of these can vary, resulting in more compound types of soil such as loamy sand, sandy clay, silty clay, etc.

2. State the characteristics of sandy soil.

Sandy soil essentially consists of small particles formed by weathering rocks. It is also very low in nutrients and poor in holding water, which makes it one of the poorest types of soil for agriculture.

3. Explain the significant features of silty soil.

Silt has smaller particles compared to sand. It is also made up of rock and other mineral particles. Furthermore, its fine quality holds water better than sand. Due to the above-mentioned features, it is also beneficial for agriculture.

4. Explain the characteristic of Clay soil.

Clay contains the smallest particles among the other two types of soil. Particles are so densely packed that there is very little or no airspace. Consequently, this property effectively retains water. However, it also becomes hard for moisture and air to penetrate into it, thereby impeding the growth of plants.

Frequently Asked Questions on Types of Soil

What is soil.

Soil is usually referred to as the naturally occurring organic materials found on the earth’s surface. It is mainly composed of minerals, nutrients, water, other inorganic particles and some residues of plants and animals.

What are the different types of Soil?

There are different types of soil, and they are categorized mainly based on the size of the particles and the percentage of particles present in them—the three primary types of soil based on their texture are Sand, Loamy and Clay.

Other types of soil are based on the percentage of particles, resulting in more compound types of soil: loamy sand, sandy clay, silty clay, etc. Apart from these, soils are also classified based on their colour- Red soil, Black soil and Brown Soil.

Which soil is called the gardener’s best friend?

Loam or Loamy soil is called the gardener’s best friend.

Which crop can be grown in Loamy soil?

Loamy soil is suitable and the best soil for growing crops such as cotton, oilseeds, sugarcane, wheat, pulses, jute and other vegetables.

What is Sandy Soil?

Sand or sandy soil is formed by the smallest or fine particles of weathering rocks. This soil is known as the poorest type of soil for agriculture and growing plants as they have very low nutritional value and poor water holding capacity.

What is Clay Soil?

Clay or clay soil is mainly composed of the smallest particles of soil, which are densely packed with very little or no airspace and they effectively retain water. This soil is not suitable for growing plants as it is harder for moisture and air to penetrate into the soil.

What is Loamy Soil?

Loamy Soil is the mixture of clay, sand and silt soil which consists of additional organic matter and is very fertile compared to other types of soil. It is well suited for cultivation as the plant roots get a sufficient amount of water and nutrients for their growth and development.

Which soil is preferable to grow coconut and melon?

Sandy soil is the preferable soil to grow coconut and melon.

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Microbe Notes

Soil- Definition, Composition, Properties, Types and Uses

Table of Contents

Interesting Science Videos

What is Soil?

Soil is a biologically active porous medium that is present on the uppermost layer on the uppermost layer of the Earth’s crust formed by weathering processes under various influences.

• Soil acts as a substratum for life on Earth that serves as a reservoir of water and nutrients, a medium for the breakdown of organic materials, and as a participant of various biogeochemical cycles.
• The soil in any particular area evolves through a series of weathering processes that are influenced by biological, topographical, climatic, and geological factors.
• As studies on agriculture and geology have increased, the soil is now considered a complex, dynamic, biogeochemical system that is vital to the life cycles of various land vegetation and soil-inhabiting organisms.
• Soil is one of the most important elements of an ecosystem as it contains both biotic and abiotic components.

Figure: Soil Profile and Soil Horizon. Created with BioRender.com.

What is Soil moisture?

• Soil moisture is the volumetric water content of soil held within the spaces the soil particles or soil aggregates.
• Soil moisture is of two types; surface soil moisture is the water present on the upper layer of soil, whereas root zone moisture is the water available to plants, generally present within the soil.
• The moisture of the soil is considered an indicator of the quality of soil and the fertility of the soil.

What is Soil gas?

• Soil gases are different types of gases that are present within the pores between soil particles or soil aggregates.
• The gases found in soil include carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen. Other atmospheric gases include methane and radon.
• Pores in the soil are filled by gases after the water present in such pores are evaporated absorbed by the root.
• In the case of environmental contaminants, soil gas might include gases diffused from landfill wastes, mining activities, and petroleum products.

What is the Soil matrix?

• Soil matrix refers to all the solid particles found in soil that include the soil particles, organic matter, and other inorganic materials.
• The soil particles might either be sand, silt, or clay, the composition of which might differ from one type of soil to another and the location.
• Organic matter found in the soil matrix is humus which is the final stage of degradation of dead plants and animals.
• Humus might even form organic colloids with water and other inorganic substances.
• The soil matrix determines various physical and chemical properties of soil like water retention capacity, nutrient content, and pH.

Composition of Soil

Figure: Composition of Soil. Image Source: Professor Patricia Shapley, University of Illinois .

• Soil is composed of various factors like air, water, minerals, and different living and non-living organic compounds.
• The entire composition of soil can be classified as biotic and abiotic components; the abiotic component includes the non-living things of soil while the biotic component includes the living organisms.
• In general, the abiotic component of the soil accounts for about 40-45% of the soil volume followed by air and water that occupy 25% each with 5% covered by living things.
• The exact composition of the soil, however, might vary from place to place with the existing rocks of the area and the climate.
• Other factors like the quantity of vegetation, soil compaction, and water retention capacity also influence the composition of the soil of a particular area.
• The inorganic part of the soil is composed of rocks that are slowly broken down into smaller particles that might vary in size.
• The organic component of soil is called the humus, which is made up of living organisms like insects or microorganisms (dead or alive) and dead animals and plants in varying stages of decay.

Properties of Soil

The properties of soil are determined by the composition of the soil, depending on different amounts of biotic and abiotic components. The combinations of these components determine the physical and chemical properties of soil.

A. Physical Properties

The physical properties of soil include the following:

a. Soil Texture

• Soil texture refers to the size of the soil particles that is dependent on the relative proportions of mineral components like sand, silt, and clay.
• Soil texture is further influenced by soil porosity, infiltration, and water retention capacity.
• The texture of soil differs with soil type; sandy soil feels gritty, silt feels smooth, and clay is sticky and mouldable.

b. Soil Structure

• The textural components of soil, including sand, silt, and clay might result in aggregates as a result of their clumping. The aggregates further clump together to form peds.
• Information on the structure of soil gives information on the soil texture, matter content, and biological activity.
• Soil structure is influenced by physical processes that might be improved or destroyed by the choice of farming practices.

c. Soil Density

• The average soil particle density ranges from 2.60 to 2.75 grams per cm 3 , which usually remains unchanged for a given soil.
• The soil particle density is lower for soils with high organic matter content and higher for soil with higher mineral content.
• Soil particle density is different from soil bulk density which is always less than soil particle density.
• Soil density usually depends on the soil texture and structure and the composition of the soil.

d. Soil Porosity

• Soil porosity is defined by the number of pores present within the soil.
• The porosity of soil is determined by the movement of air and water within the soil.
• Healthy soils usually have more number of pores between and within soil aggregates, whereas poor quality soils have few pores or cracks.
• Soil porosity is influenced by soil texture and structure. The pore size in soil affects the ability of plants and organisms to access water, oxygen, and other gases and minerals.

e. Soil consistency

• Soil consistency refers to the ability of the soil to stick to itself or other objects and to resist deformation and rupture.
• Three moisture conditions define soil consistency; air-dry, moist, and wet.
• The consistency of dry soil ranges from loose to hard, whereas that of wet soil ranges from non-sticky to sticky.
• Soil consistency is an important property that determines the ability of soil to support buildings and roads.

f. Soil Colour

• Soil color is determined primarily by the organic composition of the soil.
• Soil color is one of the factors that help in the prediction of other soil characteristics within a soil profile.
• Observation of soil color is a qualitative means of measuring organic, iron oxide, and the clay contents of the soil.
• Besides, soil color is also influenced by the mineral content of the soil as the color might change as a result of oxidation of degradation.

B. Chemical properties

A. cation exchange capacity (cec).

• Cation exchange capacity is the maximum amount of total cations that a soil sample is capable of holding at a given pH.
• The cation exchange capacity of the soil is taken as an indicator of soil fertility, nutrient retention, and the ability of soil to protect groundwater from cation contamination.
• The reactivity of soil is expressed in terms of the soil pH, which determines the acidity and alkalinity of the soil.
• It is the measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in the aqueous solution of soil which ranges between 3.5 to 9.5.
• Usually, soils with high acidity contain higher amounts of aluminum and manganese, and soil with higher alkalinity has a higher concentration of sodium carbonate.
• In terms of soil fertility, agricultural production tends to be more in acidic soil.

c. Soil salinity

• Salts in the soil are transported from salt tables in water resources that then accumulate due to evaporation.
• Salinization of soil also occurs during irrigation processes from drainages. The salt accumulation affects the degradation of organic matter in soil and the vegetation on the soil.
• The most common salts that are present in soil include magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and carbonates.

Types of Soil

Figure: Four major types of soil. Image Source: Wilson Bros Gardens .

Soil, in general, is classified into four different types depending on its composition and the size of particles. The four types of soil are:

A. Sandy Soil

• Sandy soil is a type of soil that contains a higher proportion of sand and less clay.
• Sandy soil is light, dry, and warm that tends to be more acidic than other types of soil.
• Because the size of the sand particle is larger than other particles, they have low water retention capacity and fewer nutrients.
• The lack of enough moisture and nutrients makes the soil less suitable for crop production.
• However, the soil can be made suitable by adding organic matter to increase water and nutrient content.

B. Clay Soil

• Clay soil is a type of soil that is comparatively heavy as it has higher water retention capacity and a higher concentration of nutrients.
• The soil is made up of over 25% clay particles that are smaller in size and thus hold a large amount of water.
• Clay soil drains water slowly and thus takes longer to warm up in the summer without drying out.
• However, because it is a heavy and dense type of soil, it doesn’t provide space for plant roots to flourish.

C. Silt Soil

• Silt soil is a light soil with a higher fertility rate with soil particles that are large than clay but smaller than sand.
• The soil is smooth and of fine quality that holds water better than the sandy soil.
• The soil can also be easily transported by moving currents, and it is found near water bodies.
• Silt soil is considered the best type of soil for agricultural practices as it has sufficient nutrients and enough moisture for plant growth.

D. Loam Soil

• Loam soil is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay soil that combines the properties of all three types of soil to make it more fertile.
• The soil has enough pores as well as water retention capacity to promote crop production.
• The level of calcium and pH of loam soil is also of the appropriate amount due to the presence of inorganic matter.

Functions of Soil

• Soil is the medium for plant growth as it provides an anchor for plant roots and acts as a water holding tank for necessary moisture.
• The degradation of plant and animal matter, i.e. the release and the binding of nutrients and trace elements, is one of the most important functions of soil organisms.
• Soil absorbs the water during rainfall and snowfall, which creates a pool of available water for plants and soil organisms.
• The absorbed water also moves downward through the soil profile towards the water bodies, thus acting as a regulator for water supplies.
• Soil is an essential part of biogeochemical cycles, where it allows the cycling of different organic and inorganic compounds from the atmosphere to the soil and back.
• Soil is a habitat for soil organisms as it provides necessary nutrients and water to living beings.
• Soil acts as the base for building homes, roads, and buildings, acting as a landscape or engineering medium.
• Soil provides the raw material for different purposes like clay for ceramic production.
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Essay on Soil

Students are often asked to write an essay on Soil in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Soil

Introduction.

Soil is the top layer of the earth’s surface. It is a precious resource that provides plants with nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Soil forms over many years from broken down rocks and decaying plants and animals. This process is called weathering.

Types of Soil

There are different types of soil, including sandy, clay, and loamy soil. Each type has its own characteristics and is suitable for different plants.

Soil is essential for life on earth. It supports the growth of plants, which provide food and oxygen for humans and animals.

Also check:

• Speech on Soil

250 Words Essay on Soil

Soil, a complex and dynamic natural resource, plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. It is a mixture of mineral particles, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms that collectively support the planet’s most fundamental ecological processes.

Soil Composition

The composition of soil varies greatly in different regions, influenced by five major factors: parent material, climate, topography, organisms, and time. The parent material provides the basic mineral matter, while climate impacts the rate of weathering and organic material decomposition. Topography influences water drainage, organisms contribute to the organic matter, and time allows these factors to interact and alter the soil profile.

Soil and Ecosystem

Soil is a vital part of the ecosystem, serving as a medium for plant growth, a habitat for billions of microorganisms, and a natural filtration system for surface water. It also plays a key role in carbon cycling, helping regulate Earth’s climate.

Soil Degradation

However, human activities like deforestation, overgrazing, and poor agricultural practices are causing soil degradation, a severe global issue. Soil degradation leads to a decline in soil quality and reduces its capacity to provide essential ecosystem services.

In conclusion, soil is more than just dirt under our feet. It’s a complex system that sustains life and requires our attention and protection. By understanding the importance of soil and the threats it faces, we can make more informed decisions to conserve this vital resource.

500 Words Essay on Soil

Introduction to soil.

Soil, the uppermost layer of the Earth’s crust, is a vital natural resource that sustains life on the planet. It is a dynamic system, continuously evolving and interacting with the living and non-living components of the environment.

Formation and Composition of Soil

Soil formation is a complex process that involves the weathering of rocks and the decomposition of organic matter over thousands of years. The parent material, climate, topography, organisms, and time (collectively known as ClORPT) are the primary factors influencing soil formation. The composition of soil varies greatly and includes mineral particles (sand, silt, and clay), organic matter, water, and air. The relative proportions of these components determine the soil’s physical and chemical properties.

The Soil Profile

A soil profile is a vertical section of the soil that reveals the different layers or horizons. The topmost horizon, known as the O horizon, is rich in organic matter and humus. Below it lies the A horizon or topsoil, where most biological activity occurs. The B horizon or subsoil accumulates materials leached from the upper layers. The C horizon consists of weathered parent material, and the R horizon is unweathered bedrock.

Soil Properties

Soil properties can be broadly divided into physical and chemical properties. Physical properties include texture, structure, color, depth, and moisture content. These properties influence the soil’s capacity to retain water, its erodibility, and its suitability for plant growth. Chemical properties, such as pH, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient content, determine the soil’s fertility and productivity.

Soil and the Environment

Soil plays a critical role in the environment. It supports plant growth and is a habitat for countless organisms, contributing to biodiversity. Soil also plays a pivotal role in the carbon cycle, acting as a significant carbon sink. Moreover, it aids in water purification and flood prevention.

Threats to Soil

Despite its importance, soil is under threat from various human activities. Soil erosion, degradation, and pollution are major concerns. Unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and climate change exacerbate these issues, leading to a loss of soil fertility and productivity.

Soil Conservation

Soil conservation is crucial for sustainable development. Techniques such as contour plowing, terracing, and agroforestry can significantly reduce soil erosion. Moreover, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and crop rotation, can enhance soil fertility and reduce degradation.

Soil is not just dirt beneath our feet; it is a complex, dynamic system crucial for life on Earth. Understanding its formation, composition, properties, and the threats it faces is essential for its conservation. As stewards of the Earth, we must strive to protect and sustain this invaluable resource.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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