
Soil - Wikipedia
Soil consists of a solid collection of minerals and organic matter (the soil matrix), as well as a porous phase that holds gases (the soil atmosphere) and a liquid phase that holds water and dissolved …
Soil | Definition, Importance, Types, Erosion, Composition, & Facts ...
Jan 2, 2026 · Soil, the biologically active, porous medium that has developed in the uppermost layer of Earth’s crust. It is one of the principal substrata of life on Earth, serving as a reservoir of water and …
What is soil? - Mississippi State University Extension Service
Soil is a living, dynamic resource that supports plant life. It is made up of different size mineral particles (sand, silt, and clay), organic matter, and numerous species of living organisms.
What is Soil? - Natural Resources Conservation Service
soil - Soil is a natural body comprised of solids (minerals and organic matter), liquid, and gases that occurs on the land surface, occupies space, and is characterized by one or both of the following: …
Soils | U.S. Geological Survey - USGS.gov
Aug 1, 2025 · Soils are the foundation of terrestrial systems, storing water and nutrients that support forests, crops, and human societies. Geology, climate, ecosystems, and human activities all affect …
Soil Science 101 | SoilNOW - Cornell University Blog Service
Soil is made up of both solids and open spaces. Mineral and organic materials occupy the solid spaces, while water, air, plant roots, and other soil organisms move through the pores (open spaces). The …
Understanding Soils | N.C. Cooperative Extension
Written by Brenda F., Chatham Master Gardener Volunteer Image: Haanala 76 CC0 Gardeners talk a lot about soil. Let’s take a dive into the science of soil. What is soil? Soil scientists define soil as a living, …
What is Soil? - Smithsonian Institution
Soil or Dirt? Soils are more than dirt. Dirt is a mixture of minerals, air, water, and living and dead things. The possibilities are almost endless—bugs, bacteria, fungi, feces, nematodes, worms, roots, rotting …
What Are Soils? | Learn Science at Scitable - Nature
In this article readers are introduced to the many facets of soils - their unique characteristics and diversity, the ecosystem services that soils provide, and their use and misuse.
Soil Composition and Types - Geology Science
Nov 4, 2024 · Soil is a complex natural resource that plays a vital role in supporting life on Earth. It acts as a medium for plant growth, a habitat for various organisms, and a crucial component of the Earth's …