Soil is a complex mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms. It consists of solid and porous phases, and is influenced by climate, relief, organisms, and parent materials. Soil serves important functions such as supporting plant growth, storing and purifying water, modifying the atmosphere, and providing habitat for organisms. It is impacted by human disturbance and climate change, and plays a crucial role in the Earth’s ecosystem. Soil composition typically consists of 50% solids and 50% voids occupied by water and gas. Compaction reduces pore space, hindering air and water movement. Soil evolves a profile with different layers (horizons) based on various properties. Soil horizons are influenced by parent material, modifying processes, and soil-forming factors. Soil science focuses on the formation, description, and classification of soils, as well as their influence on living things. Soil formation is influenced by factors such as parent material, climate, topography, organisms, and time. The physical properties of soil include texture, structure, bulk density, porosity, consistency, temperature, color, and resistivity.
[Source: https://www.soils.org/discover-soils/soils-in-the-environment]
