what are the different characteristics of soil?
Answers
All soils contain mineral particles, organic matter, water and air. The combinations of these determine the soil's properties – its texture, structure, porosity, chemistry and colour. Soil is made up of different-sized particles. Sand particles tend to be the biggest.
Explanation:
About half of most soils are inorganic materials, such as the products of weathered rock, including pebbles, sand, silt, and clay particles.
About half of all soils are organic materials, formed from the partial breakdown and decomposition of plants and animals. The organic materials are necessary for a soil to be fertile. The organic portion provides the nutrients, such as nitrogen, needed for strong plant growth.
In between the solid pieces, there are tiny spaces filled with air and water.
The decayed remains of plant and animal life are called humus, which is an extremely important part of the soil. Humus coats the mineral grains.