Soil is the top layer of the earth’s crust in which organic matter grows. There are many components which determine a soil type such as pH, nutrient level and organic content. These factors can vary depending on the type of plant or crop which grows in the soil and also on geographic location.
The most important plant nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K).
Nitrogen helps above-ground leafy growth and gives dark green color to leaves.
Phosphorous encourages plant cell division. Without phosphorous, flowers and seeds could not form. Phosphorous also helps root growth and protects the plant from disease.
Like phosphorous, potassium increases the plant's resistance to disease and encourages root growth. Potassium is needed for the making of chlorophyll.
Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen are the big three macronutrients. These are obtained in almost unlimited amounts from the atmosphere and from the water around the plant. The other macronutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S).
Liming is the application of calcium- and magnesium-rich materials to soil in various forms, including marl, chalk, limestone, or hydrated lime. This neutralises soil acidity and increases activity of soil bacteria.
Also, when the soil has very high pH and need to be made more acidic. This can be done by using sulfur, aluminum sulfate, or ammonium sulfate.
TYPES OF SOIL
1. Sandy
2. Chalky
3. Humus bearing
4. Stony
5. Clayish
6. Mixed
Sand is the largest particle in the soil. It contains sharp edges. Sand doesn't hold many nutrients.
They are constantly alkaline. Chalk is a solid, with a delicate shake it separates effortlessly. It is free draining, and chalky soils hold little water and dry out effectively.
Chalky soils are fertile, however a large number of the nutrients are not accessible to plants on account of the high alkalinity of the dirt, which prevents the absorption of iron by plant roots.
Humus refers to the fraction of soil organic matter that is amorphous and without the "cellular cake structure characteristic of plants, micro-organisms or animals."Humus significantly influences the bulk density of soil and contributes to moisture and nutrient retention.
It is composed by rocks, it lacks of nutrients and it is very difficult to grow in this type of soil.
The clay forms a heavy mass which makes it difficult for air, water and plant roots to move through the soil when wet. Once dry they form rock-hard clots. Blue or grey clays have poor aeration and must be loosened in order to support healthy growth. Red color in clay soil indicates good aeration and a "loose" soil that drains well. Plants can take advantage of the high level of nutrients if drainage is adequate.
It is a mixture of clay, sand and chalk. They are very fertile and secular generate simple clumps that can be easily separated.
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