Question

What makes the soil smell so good after the rain?

Answer 1

Soil:

1. The soil is the earth's surface composed of organic matter, minerals, gases, and microorganisms.
2. The pleasant smell generated after rain is caused by bacteria present in the soil.
3. Actinomycetes are filamentous bacteria that are found in damp soil and produce spores once the soil dries out.
4. When raindrops fall on the soil, the moisture functions as an aerosol, and the water vapors carry the spores into the atmosphere.
5. The bacteria produce a chemical known as geosin upon death that has a strong scent.
6. We breathe in the spores and they have a distinct earthy smell that is commonly referred to as petrichor.