Question

Define soil and give its function​

Answer 1

Explanation:

Functions of Soil

Functions of Soil in the Global Ecosystem

Soils perform five key functions in the global ecosystem. Soil serves as a:

medium for plant growth,

regulator of water supplies,

recycler of raw materials,

habitat for soil organisms, and

landscaping and engineering medium.

Soil Function: Medium for plant growth

As an anchor for plant roots and as a water holding tank for needed moisture, soil provides a hospitable place for a plant to take root. Some of the soil properties affecting plant growth include: soil texture (coarse of fine), aggregate size, porosity, aeration (permeability), and water holding capacity.

Figure 2. Impact of soil physical properties on plant growth. The exposed roots of this corn plant show evidence of preferential growth to the right, away from where soil compaction has occurred in the wheel track area on the left. Image courtesy of John Doran

An important function of soil is to store and supply nutrients to plants. The ability to perform this function is referred to as soil fertility. The clay and organic matter (OM) content of a soil directly influence its fertility. Greater clay and OM content will generally lead to greater soil fertility. The soil in figure 2 has a dark brown to black color, indicating abundant OM accumulation, and a highly fertile soil.

Answer 2

Soil is defined as the uppermost layer of the earth's surface and its functions are nutrient cycling, filtering, buffering, and recycling raw materials.

Explanation:

• soil is the uppermost layer of the earth's surface which is formed by the process of weathering and erosion of rocks within the earth's crust. And it also has layers of percolating water and a living organism called horizons.
• There are different types of soil that are distributed all over the world which are clay soil, sandy soil, peaty, chalky, and loamy. in which the sandy loam is best for plantation.
• Soil is the most important factor for the growth of plants. It stores the water in both the upper layer and underground and it composes various nutrients.
• Ther is a minute opening in the layers of the soil called porous which filters and regulates the circulation of water. soil act as Habitant for soil organisms.