Soil Formation and Composition
Ever wonder what's beneath your feet? Soil forms when bedrock weathers into mineral fragments that mix with organic matter called humus. This process depends on the tectonic cycle for energy and the hydrologic cycle for weathering and erosion.
Soil is much more than just dirt! It consists of mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air in pore spaces. These components create a thriving habitat for microorganisms and soil organisms. Good soil is the most fundamental requirement for successful agriculture.
Well-developed soil has distinct soil horizons (layers), each with unique physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. When viewed together, these layers form a soil profile that extends from the surface down to bedrock. You can remember the typical order with "Only Apes Eat Bananas Completely Ripe."
Soil consists of particles in various sizes - sand, silt, and clay. The smallest particles, clay, can block water flow. Two important soil properties are porosity (the amount of space between soil grains) and permeability (how easily water moves through soil).
Did you know? The soil beneath your feet is teeming with more organisms than there are stars in our galaxy! A single teaspoon of healthy soil can contain billions of microorganisms.
