Soil
/sɔɪl/
Definition
Soil is the natural surface layer of land where most plants root and grow. It is a living mixture of mineral particles, organic matter, water, air, and organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and earthworms. Unlike potting mix, soil forms over time from weathered rock and decomposed material. It anchors roots and supplies water, oxygen, and dissolved nutrients that plants absorb for growth.
Use in Gardening
- Root support and anchorage: soil holds roots in place and gives them access to water, oxygen, and dissolved nutrients, which directly affects plant stability and growth.
- Texture shapes watering needs: Sandy mixes drain quickly and dry faster, while clay-rich mixes hold water longer and can limit air around roots if they stay compacted.
- Nutrient cycling by living organisms: Bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and other organisms break down organic matter and release nutrients into forms plants can absorb.
- pH influences nutrient uptake: Acidic or alkaline conditions in soil can change how available nutrients are, so some plants grow poorly even when nutrients are present.
Related Terms
Loam
Loam is a soil type defined by a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, usually with some organic matter. This…
Sandy soil
Sandy soil is a soil type made mostly of relatively large mineral particles, especially sand, with less silt and clay…
Organic matter
Organic matter refers to carbon-based material from living or once-living organisms in soil or growing media, such as…
Soil amendment
Soil amendment refers to a material added to soil to change its physical or chemical properties, such as structure…
Soil pH
Soil ph measures how acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil is, based on the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil…