Question

Explain in detail the different types of soil.

Answer 1

Soil:

1. It forms the topmost layer of the Earth's land surface or lithosphere.
2. Soil is a mixture of inorganic minerals and organic matter.
3. It has three principal components that include sand, silt, and clay.

Depending on the proportions and percentage of each of the components, the soil is of the following types:

1. Sandy soil: This type of soil is rich in sand. It has very low water-retention capabilities and minerals. Hence it is found in arid, desert habitats.
2. Clayey soil: This type of soil is rich in inorganic minerals and very low in organic content. The minerals are spaced very closely. This soil swells or shrinks depending upon the quantity of water added. It is extremely sticky and is found in the proximity of freshwater lakes, ponds, or rivers.
3. Silt soil: As the name suggests, this soil has a high concentration of silt. It is rich in minerals and found along the shore of flowing rivers.
4. Loamy soil: It contains equal proportions of sand, silt, and clay. The content of clay is dependent on the geographical location of the soil.