Topic:-Soil

Chapter:-
Natural
Resources
Members:-Anmol
Abhishek
 Introduction
The soil is the top surface layer of the earth’s
crust. It is formed by the breakdown of rocks
over a long period of time by various
physical, chemical and biological processes.
The fine particles thus obtained is called soil.
Soil is mainly composed of air, water, humus,
microorganisms and minerals. These
enhance the quality and fertility of the soil
and thereby, provide nourishment to the
plants.
Factors of Soil
Formation

Physical
Processe
● Sun
The rocks expand by the heat
of the sun. These rocks cool
down and contract at night.
This expansion and ● Wind
contraction of rocks result in
the formation of cracks in the Strong winds erode the
rocks. As a result, the huge rocks and carry the sand
rocks break into smaller from one place to another.
pieces.
● Water
The water enters into the cracks formed due to the heating by
the sun. This water when freezes widen the cracks. When
rocks are in contact with flowing water for a longer period of
time, it results in wearing of the rocks. Also, the rock particles
present in the flowing water rub against the rocks and break it
into smaller particles. These particles are carried by water
and deposited as soil on its way.
 Factors of Soil
Formation

Biological
Processes
● The lichens growing on the rocks release
certain chemicals that break down the rock
into a fine powder and form a thin layer of
soil. The mosses also grow on the rock
surface and further break the rock. The roots
of the trees get into the cracks of the rocks
and force them to widen, thereby, breaking
the rocks.
● The soil contains the remains of dead plants
and animals called humus. It is home for a
variety of microorganisms. The mineral
nutrients present in the soil are determined
by the rock it was formed from. These make
the soil porous and aerate the soil. As a
result, the quality of the soil and the soil
structure are improved.
Composition of soil
● As air is a mixture of gases, the soil is a mixture of
minerals and other matters. Soil contains dead and
decayed matter, microorganisms and other minerals
which are useful for living organisms. All the organic
matters like the dead and decayed content of the soil
are called humus. This is a crucial factor that decides
the fertility, texture and other characteristics of the
soil. Based on the soil particle size, humus content
and microorganisms present, the soil is divided into
different types. The richness of minerals in a type of
soil depends on the parent rock it was formed from.
● As we know, the soil is vital for plants to thrive. The
minerals and nutrients present, humus content,
consistency, etc. are some important factors to be
considered for cultivation. The top layer of soil
contains minerals, humus, microorganisms and other
particles. This topmost layer is called topsoil.
Depending upon the topsoil, the biodiversity of a
 Soil Pollution
● The soil is the backbone of agriculture.
Since farmers started to use fertilizers
and other chemicals for higher yields, it
has spoiled the fertility of the soil. It
contaminated the soil and this is called
soil pollution. Soil pollution led to
infertility by killing micro- and micro-
organisms in the soil; the nutrient level
has decreased. It also raised the
number of barren lands. Deforestations
caused soil erosion and soil got exposed
to natural disasters. Thus, water and
the wind take away the minerals and
 Causes
● Strong winds:-The soil which is uncovered
and loose is eroded,when it is exposed to
strong winds the winds the carry away the
fine soil particles to other places
● Heavy rain:-when rain falls on the
unprotected top soil rain water washes it
down into the streams and rivers etc.
● Improper farming:-farmers loosen the top
soil of the agricultural fields either for
cultivation for removing the weeds which
get eroded by the rains.
 Effects

● Loss of fertility and desertification

● Landslides
● Flash floods
● Silting of water reservoirs
 Prevention
● Intensive cropping
● Terrace farming
● Planting xerophytes
● Contour bundling
● Proper drainage system around field
THANKU