Question

What is soil? Give its economic importance

Answer 1

Soil Means the upper layer of earth in which plants grow, a black or dark brown material typically consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles.



Soil plays a vital role in the survival of living beings on the earth. Its importance can be listed as

1. Soil fertility: Fertile soil supportsgrowth of plants. In-turn these plants produce vital needs to humans like food, clothing, furniture, medicine etc. Even other animals, insects receive food by grazing on plants.

2. Soil microbiology: It provides support for survival of many bacteria, algae, fungi etc.. These bacteria and microbes present in soil help in environmental balance like retaining of moisture, decay of dead bodies of animals, plants etc.,  scavenging of waste and other toxic chemicals including plastic.

3. Top soil provides shelter for insects, reptiles, birds and animals. Further top soil is necessary for even other activities like nesting, reproduction, hatching of eggs, breeding etc.

4. Soil organic matter contains essential minerals and elements like phosphates, sulphates, calcium, zinc, magnesium and many more. These elements are provided to plant during growth and from there to all the living forms.  Hence they act as source of essential minerals and elements needed for various enzyme and cell reactions.

5. Soil a source of minerals: Minerals and mines present in soil is the source of many metals like iron, bauxite, zinc etc . Many metal elements are mixed up with soil and hence extracted from soil by technical processes.

6. Soil is used for making utensils, tiles etc. The utensils like cups, plates china clay, plaster of paris etc. Tiles used in home or building made of ceramic like soil components.

7. Soil contents like gravel, clay, sand, etc. are widely used for construction of homes, buildings, roads etc

8. Soil a source medicines: Soil gives us some important mineral medicines like calcium (bones), iron (hemoglobin) bentonite (laxative) and other substance like petroleum jelly, steatite for cosmetics, talcum powders etc. 

9. Soil keeps atmosphere cool: Soil absorbs water when there is rain and so, when is there is heavy sun heat, this water from soil evaporates making the air cooler.



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Answer 2

Here is your answer! The upper layer of earth in which plants grow, a black or dark brown material typically consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles is known as soil.Soil is a vital part of the natural environment. It is just as important as plants, animals, rocks, land forms, lochs and rivers. It influences the distribution of plant species and provides a habitat for a wide range of organisms.