Soil

Soil

Introduction
Soil is the mixture of rock debris and organic materials which develop on the earth’s surface. The major factors affecting the formation of soil are relief, parent material, climate, vegetation and other life-forms and time. Besides these, human activities also influence it to a large extent. Components of the soil are mineral particles, humus, water and air. The actual amount of each of these depend upon the type of soil. Soil consists of four layers. The first or topmost layer of soil is made up of minute soil particles and decayed plant and animal matter. This layer is vital for the cultivation of crops.

                         Soil