Soil Science: Nature and Properties of Soil

Soil is a composition of organic matter, liquids, gases and minerals that together is conducive to the subsistence of life. Some of the common minerals in soil are calcite, quartz, mica, feldspar, etc. The role of soil is significant as a medium that supports and promotes plant growth and development, stores water and also acts as a habitat for organisms. It also acts as a modifier of the Earth's atmosphere. The soil undergoes a constant process of development in terms of various physical, biological and chemical processes, such as weathering and erosion. The study of the soil is approached from the two branches of pedology and edaphology. Edaphology investigates the influence of soil on living organisms, while pedology is concerned with the formation, classification and morphology of the soil. The properties of the soil, which are crucial for ecosystem services, include bulk density, texture, porosity, structure, temperature, consistency, etc. This textbook provides comprehensive insights into the study of soil. It is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts about the nature and properties of soil. It is an essential guide for both academicians and students who wish to pursue this discipline further.