Soil - Natural Resource

Soil is an important and very useful natural resource. Soil is necessary for any food production, so the forests that grow on it are also very important for us.

Soil is a naturally dispersed unorganized material, forming the outer thin layer of the earth. It is a natural resource, which forms the base (medium) for farming and it helps in the growth of plants on the surface of the earth.

The nature of the soil depends on its basic substances from which it is produced. Sometimes layers of soil are removed or swept away due to air, water or other reasons. This is called soil erosion. To avoid this, a large number of trees are planted, so that soil erosion can be prevented.

The top surface (layer) of the earth is made up of soil, which forms a base for growing plants.

Soil is formed as a result of the physical process of rocks. Due to temperature fluctuations, cracks occur in the rocks and their pieces are broken down into small parts by strong wind. This is due to a chemical process, i.e., the minerals found in rocks are converted into other substances. Rocks also turn into small particles due to weather, moisture, plants, animals and other means, this is called soil impermeability. A major constituent of soil is humus, which is made up of rotten parts of plants and animals. Humus helps in keeping the soil fertile and in good condition. Due to this, the fertility of soil increases and helps in plant growth.

Many substances are found in the soil, due to their proper amount, the soil becomes fertile. If the amount of sand in the soil is high, then the soil will be dry and if the amount of clay is high, the soil will be very wet and it will be very difficult to grow anything in that soil.

Types of Soil

Depending on the geographical area, the type of soil depends on its colour, its texture and the elements found in it. There are mainly six types of soil found in India.

1. Red soil

As the name suggests, the colour of this soil is red. This red colour is due to the presence of iron oxide in the soil. Humus is found in this soil only in very small quantity. Chemical fertilizers are added to this soil, then it becomes cultivable.

2. Black soil

The nature of this soil is preserved (perforated) and is rich in iron and magnesium. This soil is particularly useful for the cultivation of sugarcane and cotton.

3. Alluvial soil

This soil is very fertile, arable and humorous. This soil is brought by the rivers and released into the plains. It is clayey loam in nature and particles of all sizes are found in it. There is a good yield of wheat, mustard etc. in this soil.

4. Sandy soil

The particles in this soil are thick. This soil is dry, sandy and compact and contains sufficient amount of minerals. Humus is less in this soil because it contains less amount of rotten guts of trees and plants. 

5. Mountain soil

This soil is very fertile and humus is also found in large quantity in it.

6. Laterite soil

It is clayey and also red in colour. This soil is good for growing tea, coffee and coconut.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion reduces the fertility of the land and consequently reduces the production. Soil erosion is caused by rain, wind, deforestation, over-harvesting of animals and use of wrong farming methods.

Soil Pollution

Both land and soil are very important and useful. Soil forms the basis of life. But there are many of our activities, due to which the soil is becoming poisonous and its production capacity is also decreasing. This is called soil pollution.

Any substance which, if found in the soil, reduces its production capacity or becomes toxic in some way, is called soil pollutant. Following are the major factors of soil pollution:

• Use of pesticides.
• Soil waste materials released from industries.
• The mixing of dirt and water from the houses in the soil.
• Open defecation.