Question

What are the major components of soil?

Answer 1

Soil:

1. It is generally referred to as dirt or earth.
2. It is an amalgamation of minerals, organic matter, liquids, gases, and organisms, which support life.

The components of soil:

1. Mineral: It is the largest component of soil, which forms about 45 to 49 percent of its volume. The common minerals found in soil are magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, etc.
2. Water: It is the second fundamental constituent of soil, it forms about 2 to 50 percent of the soil volume.
3. Organic matter: It is the next fundamental component, which is found in soils at the levels of about 1 to 5 percent. It is derived from dead animals and plants.
4. Gases: The air or gases is the next fundamental constituent of the soil. It can make up about 2 to 50 percent of the soil volume. The gases found in soil are ammonia, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and methane.
5. Microorganisms: It is the final fundamental constituent of the soil, they are found in soil in high quantities, however, they form about 1 percent of the soil volume. The microbes found in soil are protozoa, bacteria, actinomycetes, nematodes, and fungi.