hi guys. i want information about soil fertility plzzz. i have seminar tomorrow
Answers
Soil fertility is the ability of any soil to support plant and animal life (predominantly plant life).
Soil fertility depends on :
- Soil profile
- Soil texture
- Soil colour
- Its physical and chemical properties
SOIL PROFILE:
Soil is made up of several layers.They are:
- Organic / top soil :
This layer supports growth of vegetation.Its the most recently formed layer.Its further divided into O1 and O2.
O1 layer consists of freshly fallen leaves and organic debris.
O2 layer consists of humus and fermentation takes place here.
- A- layer / A- horizon / surface layer :
Consists of minerals like silica and leached soil
- Subsoil / B- layer :
Rich in Iron, aluminium and other minerals.
- Substratum / C-layer :
Contains large pieces of rock material along with more moisture content.
- Bed rock / R-layer :
This contains parent rock material
SOIL TEXTURE:
Soil components:
- Gravel
- Coarse sand
- Fine sand
- Silt
- Clay
Based on the combination of soil components soil can be divided into:
- Sandy soil
- Clayey soil
- Loamy soil
- Sandy loam soil
- Clayey loam soil
- Silt loam soil
SOIL COLOUR:
Brown - rich in humus and organic matter
Yellow / red - rich in iron oxides
White- carbonates of mg and ca
PROPERTIES:
Soil density:
Ideal soil density is 2.65 gm/ml
Porosity:
The pore size between the soil particles determine the water holding capacity of the soil
Soil permeability:
Pores determine soil permeability and helps in survival of burrowing organisms.
Soil temperature:
Temperature varies from soil to soil.Black soil absorbs and retains more water.
Soil air:
Need for respiration and germination of seeds
Soil water:
Field capacity depends on the capillary and hygroscopic water.
Wilting point:
Reduction in the moisture content may lead to dehydration and death oh plantation.This point of moisture content that causes wilting is called wilting point
pH:
Ranges from 2.2 to 9.6
The fertility of soil thus depends on several such factors.