What the heck is soil? The first of a 3-part miniseries extravaganza on soil!

This post will part of a 3-part series on soil which are scheduled to be as follows :

1) What is Soil?

2) How Does Soil Grow plants and How to Improve Soil Quality?

3) Why Organic Matters

Onwards! To the land of the soil!

What is soil?

First of all, I have to say, soil is really fascinating. I’ve learned that it’s much more than just dirt! So, you ask: “What the heck is it?”

First off, I like this definition: Soil is one of the three major natural resources, alongside air and water. It is one of the marvellous products of nature and without which there would be no life.

Beautiful, but what is in it? Well, Most soils contain four basic components:

1)Mineral particles (rocks broken into tiny, tiny pieces)

2) Water,

3) Air, and

4) Organic matter, which can be further sub-divided into humus, roots, and living organisms (Fungi, bacteria, worms).

What’s with Humus? Didn’t I eat that with my Arab friends the other day?

Not to be mistaken with hummus, the delicious spreadable, dippable mix of chick peas, garlic and tahini, humus But Humus is very important, even it is believed by many to be the most important constituent of soils.

What it is? It’s partially-decomposed organic material, and it’s rich in nutrients, which is essential to the fertility of soil. So basically, to put it bluntly, it’s basically any living organism (plants, droppings, bacteria) which has bitten the dust (quite literally), has decayed and has passed on its nutrients for life to flourish again.

Oh! The miracle of the cycle of life! How poetic! How beautiful it is!

Soil – A complete ecosystem!

It’s quite fascinating, but soil in itself is a complete ecosystem with plants growing thanks to the humus, which was in turn made by the bacteria, the fungi and other organisms in the soil, which in turn also feed other smaller animals, which in turn leave droppings or bite the dust themselves, decay, and feed bacteria and bugs, which then decomposes, becomes humus, grows plants again, and, and, and… it’s so beautiful it makes me want to cry!

Conclusion

Basically, soil is alive and is a complete ecosystem! It’s fascinating! Without it, we wouldn’t be here! There is much more to be said, but that’s the basic answer to « what is soil » tomorrow,

Tomorrow’s topic? Part 2 of this exciting mini-series on soil : How exactly does soil work to grow plants?