Soil Quality

soil

outermost layer of the earth’s crust; a mixture of minerals, organic matter (humus), air and water, and it plays a crucial role in sustaining life on the planet

Soil characteristics

texture
structure
colour
pH
organic matter
moisture
permeability
fertility
aeration
microbial activity
bulk density
cation exchange capacity

texture

relative proportions of different particle sizes in the soil: sand, silt, and clay

structure

refers to how soil particles are arranged into aggregates or clumps

colour

determined by the minerals and organic material present

pH

measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil which affects nutrient availability

organic matter

decomposed plant and animal material in the soil; increases water retention, structure and nutrient availability

moisture

amount of water held within the soil, varying based on rainfall, evaporation, and soil type

permeability

rate at which water and air move through the soil

fertility

refers to the soil’s ability to provide essential nutrients to plants

aeration

presence of air in the soil, especially in the pore spaces between soil particles

microbial activity

the activity of microorganisms in the soil, such as bateria, fungi, and protozoa

bulk density

mass of soil per unit volume; indicator of compaction

cation exchange capacity

soil’s ability to hold and exchange positively charged ions such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium: high cec means soil can hold more nutrients