Soil science is the study of processes and properties of the soil environment. Soil is the natural resource present on the surface of the Earth that includes soil formation, classification, and mapping. It emphasizes improving the fertility of the soil for crop growth while preserving it as a natural resource. Soil scientists study the Soil for its physical & chemical properties, distribution, genesis & morphology, and biological components.
Soil Science is divided into two Branches: Pedology & Edaphology. Pedology is the study natural setting that includes Soil formation, soil morphology, and soil classification, while edaphology is the study of relation to soil-dependent uses such as the way how soils influence plants, fungi, etc. Soil is basically classified into four types; Sandy soil, Silt Soil, Clay Soil, Loamy Soil.
Agricultural Soil Science
Agriculture Soil science is a holistic method. It is the study of edaphic conditions that relate to the production of food and fiber. It is also known as Soil Agronomy. This study particularly includes the mineralogical composition of soils that mainly related to Agriculture.
Some soil variables of special interest to agricultural soil science include Soil texture or soil composition, Aeration & porosity, Drainage, Water content, water potential, Horizonation, soil Fertility, soil biota, Soil acidity or soil pH & cation-exchange capacity, etc.
Soil Microbiology
Soil microbiology is the study of microorganisms in the soil, their functions, and affect soil properties due to their presence. The presence of bacteria could fix nitrogen, in time multiplied, and as a result, released oxygen into the atmosphere. Soil microorganisms can be classified as bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, algae, etc. where each of these groups has characteristics that define their functions in soil.
Soil Fertility
Soil fertility is the sustainability of soil to provide sustained and consistent yields. The main required nutrients for the soil to sustain its fertility are Nitrogen, Potassium & Phosphorus. The Soil usually lacks the bioavailability of phosphorus. For this reason, these three elements are always identified as fertilizers.
Soil Depletion
Soil depletion occurs when the components of fertility are removed and are not replaced, and the conditions of soil fertility are not maintained. This leads to poor crop yields. In agriculture, depletion is due to excessively intense cultivation and inadequate soil management. Soil fertility can be severely affected when land-use changes rapidly.
