About Soil
Soil is a mixture of mineral particles, organic matter, water, air, roots, and living organisms. Healthy soil stores water, supplies nutrients, anchors plants, cycles carbon, and supports enormous communities of microbes and small animals.
Soil Texture
Sand, silt, and clay particles create different soil textures.
Learn MoreOrganic Matter
Organic matter comes from decomposed plants, roots, manure, and microbes.
Learn MoreSoil Life
Bacteria, fungi, insects, worms, and other organisms live in soil.
Learn MoreNutrients
Plants need nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and many other elements.
Learn MoreSoil pH
pH affects nutrient availability and microbial activity.
Learn MoreErosion
Wind and water can remove fertile topsoil.
Learn MoreCompaction
Heavy equipment can squeeze soil pores.
Learn MoreSoil Testing
Soil tests turn field samples into management information.
Learn MoreSoil Texture
Sandy soils drain quickly, clay soils hold more water and nutrients, and loams combine particle sizes. Texture strongly affects irrigation, drainage, root growth, and field operations.
Organic Matter
It can improve water-holding capacity, soil structure, nutrient cycling, and habitat for soil organisms.
Soil Life
These organisms break down residues, cycle nutrients, form partnerships with roots, create pores, and compete with plant pathogens.
Nutrients
Soil tests help estimate nutrient levels and guide fertilizer decisions. Too little limits growth, while too much can waste money or pollute water.
Soil pH
Different crops prefer different pH ranges. Lime or other amendments can sometimes shift soil pH gradually.
Erosion
Cover crops, terraces, grass waterways, residue, reduced tillage, contour farming, and windbreaks can reduce erosion.
Compaction
Compacted soil can reduce drainage, air movement, and root growth. Farmers may manage traffic patterns, tire pressure, timing, or tillage to limit compaction.
Soil Testing
Laboratories can measure pH, nutrient levels, salinity, organic matter, and other properties. Good sampling is important because fields are not uniform.