Introduction to Soil

Table of Contents

• Importance of Soil
• Profile of the Soil
• Summary
• Did You Know?
• What’s Next?

In the first segment of the chapter of Soil, we will learn about the importance of soil.

Why is soil important?

The food chain on earth begins from plants. These plants use the water and nutrients from the soil to grow. Thus, without soil, the plants will not be able to survive and therefore the food chain of the earth will be disturbed. Soil is also useful as a home for many living organisms.

Many small organisms like ants, earthworms, etc. reside in the soil. Along with these animals, soil also acts as a shelter for the roots of plants.

What is the Soil profile?

Soil is composed of rocks, minerals and nutrients. Soil profile is defined as the vertical section of the soil from the ground surface downwards to where the soil meets the underlying rock.

During its formation, the soil is arranged in layers (known as horizons).