Agricultural Soil

Introduction

The topmost layer of the earth is called soil, and it is made up of several elements. Environmental elements like water, wind, temperature, and even living things usually have an impact on them. One type of soil may not have the same physical or chemical properties as another. The soil is now inhabited by microorganisms like bacteria, algae, fungi, and actinomycetes that fix nitrogen, decompose organic matter, transport vital nutrients, and improve the texture of the soil. High-yielding crops in agriculture depend on the texture, composition, and environmental tolerance of the soil. Consequently, the soil is first prepped before being used for improved harvesting.

What is Soil?

A complex material called soil develops on the earth’s surface. It emerged through the disintegration of rocks. By their porosity, aeration, and water-retention ability, they act as a medium for the growth of plants.

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Types of Soil

Based on its texture and composition, the soil is divided into different categories.

Clay soil:

• Compared to other soil types with a composition of very small particles, clay soil stands out for having particular qualities. 
• It is referred to as heavy soil because the soil particles are firmly packed and there are few or no air spaces between them. 
• It has trouble allowing air and humidity to enter the soil yet is effective at holding a lot of water. 
• Although clay is sticky when wet, it dries out when water vapour escapes from the ground.

Sandy soil:

• Sandy soil is hot and dry because it has a large proportion of sand and little clay. 
• It can be created through the fracturing of rocks. 
• When it rains heavily, the earth can quickly absorb water, which benefits the drainage system. 
• The lack of proper water retention and poor nutrient availability make the soil unsuitable for plant growth.

Loamy soil:

• Silt, clay, sand, and organic matter that has already decomposed make up loamy soil, which has a dark colour. 
• Because the soil’s particles are dispersed, air can easily penetrate it. 
• It works well for plant growth since clay and sand both have beneficial properties.

Silt:

• The particle size of such soil is medium. 
• Although the soil is fertile and smooth, it has few nutrients. 
• It is utilized for drainage since it effectively traps water.

Which Soil is Suitable for Agriculture?

Crops can only be grown in a particular soil if it meets certain criteria, including aeration, fertility, and crop type. Generally speaking, it differs amongst crops. To provide appropriate nutrients and maintain the water, the loam soil is made up of sand, silt, and clay. In this way, it is regarded as appropriate soil for farming.

Components of Soil

• From one place to another, the soil’s precise makeup varies. Minerals, water, and organic and inorganic substances make up the major volume of the soil. 
• Generally speaking, the abiotic (non-living) components are made up of about 45% air, 25% water, 25% minerals, and 5% organic stuff.

Preparation of Soil

Before planting, the soil is prepared to ensure that the region is suitable for farming. The proper growth of crops might benefit from soil preparation. The soil preparation process involves a variety of tools.

Tools Involved in Soil Preparation

Plough:

        Plough is dragged by two bullocks and is composed of wood or iron. The pieces are as follows: 

• Shovel shaft (a long batten of wood). 
• Ploughshare (heavy triangular metal item linked to one pole of shaft) (heavy triangular metal piece connected to one pole of shaft). 
• Beam (the other pole of the shaft is connected to the stand on the necks of bulls).

Hoe: 

• Hoe is used to break up the soil and remove overgrowth. 
• Bulls drag a long wooden pole with heavy metal attached to it to loosen the dirt.

Cultivator:

• Both labourers and cultivators plough the ground. 
• The main ways that tractors are beneficial are by eliminating physical labour and saving time.

Different Steps Involved in the Preparation of Soil

The process of preparing soil involves these three steps: 

Ploughing: 

• It is the process of agitating and moving the soil to bring nutrient-rich soil to the surface. 
• It is an essential phase in agriculture, and iron or wood has been used to apply it. 
• Bullocks or driven cultivators pull the plough. 

Leveling: 

• Due to the numerous huge lumps in the region that was ploughed, it is crucial to level the ground before beginning cultivation. 
• A leveler is a tool with a board made of metal or wood that is used to level the soil.

Manuring:

• Manure is decomposed organic matter that is used as fertilizer to improve the quality and growth of crops. 
• Manure is utilized to replenish the soil with nutrients necessary for the successful growth of crops.

Importance of Preparation of Soil

• By preparing the soil in a way that safeguards the crops from irritants and weeds, it is possible to meet the needs of crops, including those for sufficient water, minerals, oxygen, nutrients, and solar exposure. 
• Ploughing helps cultivators get nutrient-rich soil on the top, promote soil aeration, and get rid of unwelcome weed development. 
• Crops must be properly mowed to ensure a superior harvest.

For more help, you can Refer to Lesson 9 – Story of soil in Science Class 7. Checkout the video Lesson for a better understanding.

Summary

A complex material called soil develops on the earth’s surface. It emerged through the disintegration of rocks. Based on its texture and composition, the soil is divided into different categories, such as clay, sandy, silty, and loamy soil. Crops can only be grown in a particular soil if it meets certain criteria, including aeration, fertility, and crop type. Ploughing helps cultivators get nutrient-rich soil on top, promote soil aeration, and get rid of unwelcome weed development.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What characteristics of Soil make it Appropriate for Farming?

Ans. A good supply of nutrients and oxygen, the ability to hold onto water, and weather tolerance are all characteristics of soil that make it suited for agricultural use.

2. What makes up Soil?

Ans. 45% of air, 25% of water, 25% of minerals, and 5% of organic matter make up soil. Organic matter is the byproduct of plants and animals that have decomposed.

3. What is Clay Soil?

Ans. Compared to other soil types with a composition of very small particles, clay soil stands out for having particular qualities. It is referred to as “heavy soil” because the soil particles are firmly packed and there are few or no air spaces between them.

4. Define Ploughing and what are the Components of the Plough.

Ans. Loosening and turning the soil is done through ploughing. A plough is a farming implement made up of a beam, ploughshare, and shaft.

5. What kind of Soil can hold a Significant Amount of Water, and Why?

Ans. Clay soil can store a huge quantity of water. It is referred to as “heavy soil” because the soil particles are firmly packed and there are few or no air spaces between them. It has trouble allowing air and humidity to enter the soil yet is effective at holding a lot of water.