Major Types of Soil

Soil is a fine sheet covering the earth’s surface and is formed by rock weathering. The majority of it is made up of mineral particles, organic materials, air, water, and living organisms, all of which interact slowly but constantly. Plants are the primary food source for humans, animals, and birds since they get their nutrients from the soil. As a result, the bulk of land-dwelling organisms relies on the soil to survive. Soil is divided into many kinds like loam, silt, clay, sandy, peat, and chalk, each with its own set of features that provide benefits and drawbacks for growing different plants.

What is the definition of soil?

Soil is a portion of the earth’s surface made up of dissolved rock and humus that serves as a growing substrate for plants. Soil takes hundreds to thousands of years to produce and is made up of a variety of inorganic and organic components. The non-living components of soil, such as minerals and rocks, are inorganic materials, whereas the live components of soil, such as soil microorganisms, are organic materials. The rock cycle, in combination with the integration of microbiological and chemical activity of living organisms, is responsible for soil formation.

For example, nutrients from the decomposition of dead plants and animals are mixed with worn and disintegrating rocks to make soil. Because of its agricultural benefits, the soil is considered a natural resource. The mineral and organic components of different soils determine their unique properties.

What are the Different Types of Soil?

There are six types of soils. 

Loamy soil

Because of its nature, loamy soil is one of the richest kinds of soil. Loamy soil is made up of clay, sand, silt, and organic matter that has decayed (humus). The soil has a pH of 6, a high calcium content, and the ability to store water and nutrients for longer periods. This is why it is considered one of the most fertile soils for crop production. The distinct composition of loamy soil might vary, but with the appropriate mix of additives, it can be excellent for growing crops. Compost manure, for example, is commonly added to loamy soil to add nutrients that may be lacking in the soil. Loamy soil is dark in colour and has a dry, soft, and crumbly texture. It can hold a lot of nutrients and water. It also drains water efficiently and has pore openings that allow air to circulate freely between soil particles and down to the plant roots. This quality makes loamy soil the best for plant growth and, as a result, the most popular choice among gardeners.

Clay soil

Clay is one of the unique soil types because of its fine-grained composition and fluidity when wet, yet hardness when burnt. The clay soil particles are compacted so firmly that there is little or no air gap between them. Clay remains the heaviest and densest soil type due to this characteristic. It also has a property that allows it to hold and keep huge amounts of nutrients and water while making air and moisture penetration extremely difficult. To use this soil for growing plants, one must first understand the state and conditions of the soil. Wet clay is difficult to deal with because it is heavy, but dry clay is smooth and soft, making it simpler to work with. Knowing these traits can be quite beneficial to gardeners, especially during the dry seasons of spring and autumn. Every autumn, compost or mulch can be applied to the topsoil to prevent the soil from freezing in winter. Compost or mulch improves the drainage and airflow of the soil, making it more suitable for planting.

Sandy soil

Sandy soils are one of the poorest soil forms, ranging in colour from pale yellowish to yellowish-brown. Sandy soil has a dry, gritty texture and consists of loose coral or rock grain elements. Sandy soil is also classified as one of the soils with the biggest particles, which makes it difficult to retain water.

As a result, sandy soils lose water quickly, making it harder for plant roots to grow. As a result, plants in sandy soil do not have the opportunity to use nutrients and water more efficiently since runoff quickly transports them away. This is why sandy soil is the least suitable for growing plants of most types.

Silt soil

Clay, sludge, or small boulders deposited by a lake or river make up silt soil. When wet, this soil generates a soapy slick and is composed of significantly smaller particles than sandy soil. Silt soil is highly smooth as a result of this, and it is fairly fruitful since it retains a lot of water. Despite its positive attributes, silt soil is nutritionally poor compared with other soil types.

Silt soil can be easily compacted by the weight of heavy overlying items due to its feature. As a result, if it’s in your garden, you should avoid stepping on it, as this can cause compaction and necessitate aeration. Silty soil is ideal for crop growing since the particles are so small.

Peat Soil

In most cases, peat soil is dark brown, but it can also be black. Peat soil is one of the best soil types for plant growth since it retains water and a lot of organic material. However, the soil must be drained first before growing plants because of its high nutrient and water content. But due to its rich nutritional and water content, peat soil keeps plants healthy even in dry times and protects them from harm during wet seasons. Although the water content of peat soil is slightly acidic, it is helpful for plant disease management and can be used to balance the pH of other soil types.

Chalk soil

These are the soils found in limestone strata with extensive chalk deposits. Chalky soils are very dry and have been proven to prevent plant germination. They have the colour of chalk and are made of, contain, or resemble calcium carbonate or calcite. As a result, chalk soil is completely unsuitable for crop farming or plant growth because it is tough to work with. It has a pH of 7.5 due to its high lime concentration and low water content. This indicates that chalk soil is basic, resulting in yellowing and stunted plants.

Conclusion

The study of soil is essential for determining which soil is good for planting plants and crops. Some sols ensure good harvests for certain crops but not for others. Each soil type has its own set of characteristics for certain plants, whereas for other plants, it may be a challenge to grow and survive in certain types of soil. The ideal way to promote optimal growth is to incorporate sufficient organic material each year. It offers an environment for plants to flourish by embedding roots and retaining nutrition. It cleanses and detoxifies our water while also helping to avert natural calamities like flooding.