Write a conclusion on mineral riches in the soil for (art integrated project)
Answers
Explanation:
The soil is the top surface layer of the earth’s crust. It is formed by the breakdown of rocks over a long period of time by various physical, chemical and biological processes. The fine particles thus obtained is called soil. Soil is mainly composed of air, water, humus, microorganisms and minerals. These enhance the quality and fertility of the soil and thereby, provide nourishment to the plants.
Read on to explore how is soil formed and the minerals involved in soil formation.
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Formation of Soil
The soil is formed by the following processes:
Physical ProcessesSun
The rocks expand by the heat of the sun. These rocks cool down and contract at night. This expansion and contraction of rocks result in the formation of cracks in the rocks. As a result, the huge rocks break into smaller pieces.
Water
The water enters into the cracks formed due to the heating by the sun. This water when freezes widen the cracks. When rocks are in contact with flowing water for a longer period of time, it results in wearing of the rocks. Also, the rock particles present in the flowing water, rub against the rocks and break it into smaller particles. These particles are carried by water and deposited as soil on its way.
Wind
Strong winds erode the rocks and carry the sand from one place to another.
Chemical Processes
The chemical processes include hydration, hydrolysis, oxidation, and reduction. The acidic substances derived from the decomposition of organic matter break down the complex compounds into simpler substances.
Biological Processes
The lichens growing on the rocks release certain chemicals that break down the rock into a fine powder and form a thin layer of soil. The mosses also grow on the rock surface and further break the rock. The roots of the trees get into the cracks of the rocks and force them to widen, thereby, breaking the rocks.
The soil contains the remains of dead plants and animals called humus. It is home for a variety of microorganisms. The mineral nutrients present in the soil are determined by the rock it was formed from. These make the soil porous and aerate the soil. As a result, the quality of the soil and the soil structure is improved.
Soil Forming Minerals
The minerals comprise 40 to 45% of the total components of soil. The most common minerals include sodium, potassium and nitrogen. The other important minerals present in soil are mentioned below:
Hematite- Red to blackish-red in colour. Swells upon absorbing water to form hydrated iron oxide.Limonite- Hydrated ferric oxide, yellow to brown in colour. Important for colouring and cementing agent in soil.Goethite- Limonite with some adsorbed water are goethite.Gibbsite- Most common aluminium compound found in soil. Found in highly weathered soil.Carbonate Group- Magnesium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide combine with carbon dioxide to form carbonates.Calcite- White or colourless, major constituent of sedimentary rocks, consisting of calcium carbonate.Dolomite- Chief source of magnesium in the soil.Siderite- Important mineral found in water-logged soil. Produced by the alteration of other iron-bearing minerals.Sulphate group- Formed by the combination of sulphur and oxygen ions. It further reacts with calcium ions to form calcium sulphate.Gypsum- Found in sedimentary rocks and desert soils. It is water-soluble and can be leached easily.
These minerals assist in plant growth. Plants absorb these minerals from the soil through the roots. Nitrate, another important mineral resource is rich in amino acids, whereas, magnesium helps in the production of chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis.
Answer:
Mineral Riches in Soil: Formation, Composition -
There are various mineral riches in the soil, such as; Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Sulphur and Calcium. Our Earth is the only planet with all the essential conditions required for the existence and survival of life. Natural resources available on the Earth and the energy obtained from the Sun are essential to fulfil the basic requirements of all life forms. Soil is one of the precious natural resources that contain weathered minerals and humus capable of supporting life.
The minerals riches in the soil supply various nutrients to life forms. These minerals remain locked up in the rocks hence cannot be available to the organisms. What are these minerals? How do these minerals riches in the soil become available for organisms? We will get to know all about this by reading the whole article.
Explanation:
Table of Contents :-
Soil Formation
Soil Profile
Soil Composition
Soil Minerals
Soil Forming Minerals
Uses of Soil Minerals
Summary
FAQs
Soil Formation -
Soil is the part of the Earth’s surface that consists of disintegrated rocks (inorganic matters) and decaying organic material. The gradual decomposition of inorganic matter (rocks) adds various minerals to the soil which are important in maintaining the life-supporting capacity of the soil. The formation of soil is a slow process that involves two steps:
1. Weathering: It is the process of breakdown of large rocks into small minerals particles.
2. Paedogenesis (soil development): It is the process of gradual degradation of organic matter by bacteria and fungi, leading to humification and mineralisation.
The weathered and paedogenesis of rock thus represent four distinct horizontal planes that represent the soil profile.
Soil Profile -
Soil profile represents the vertical section of the Earth’s crust that is made up of a succession of horizontal layers (horizons). Each of which varies in thickness, colour, texture, structure, consistency, porosity, acidity, and composition. A-horizon is the topsoil made up of litter and humus. B-horizon is composed of mineral soil. C-horizon contains unconsolidated parent material. D-horizon comprises rock and unmodified parental material.
Soil Composition -
Mineral Matter: 45 – 60%
Organic Matter: 5 – 10% (living organisms, humans, roots of plants)
Air: 15 – 25%
Water: 25 – 35%
Soil Minerals -
Types of Soil Minerals: Minerals constitute the largest portion of the soil. Soil minerals can be divided into the following two categories:
Primary minerals in the soil: The minerals that have not been chemically transformed since the deposition are called primary minerals in the soil. These mainly include silica minerals, iron minerals, apatite, volcanic gases, non-crystalline organic constituents.
Secondary minerals in the soil: These are the minerals that are formed by the weathering of rocks (primary minerals). Hydroxides, carbonates, sulphates, phosphates, halides, etc. are examples of secondary minerals.
Summary -
Soil is an edaphic factor. It is a house of several minerals and mineral elements that are essential for plants and animals. Primarily the soil minerals remain deposited in the rocks and cannot be utilised for plant and animal welfare. Soil weathering and soil development (paedogenesis) make the soil minerals available for plant and animal usage. Plants utilise these minerals for synthesising food, growth. Besides this, mineral elements synthesise several life-supporting elements such as haemoglobin, nucleic acids, proteins, etc. Moreover, these also regulate several physiological activities. This article covers the detailed study of soil minerals and their uses.
FAQs -
Q.1. How Mineral-rich soil is formed?
Ans: Mineral-rich soil is formed by the process of weathering and paedogenesis.
Q.2. What percentage of soil are minerals?
Ans: Minerals constitute about 45 – 60% of the soil.
Q.3. What is the oldest mineral on the Earth?
Ans: Zircon is the oldest mineral on the Earth.
Q.4. What are the five soil types?
Ans: Sandy, Clay, Slit, Peat, and Loamy are the five main types of soil.