The uppermost mineral layer of soil, often mixed with decomposed organic matter. It is commonly disturbed by ploughing or surface activities and forms the main rooting zone.
The process by which a material or substance takes in liquids, gases, or energy. For example, soil particles absorbing water or nutrients.
Erosion that occurs faster than natural geological processes due to human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, hillside ploughing, road building, or uncontrolled burning. This type of erosion often leads to…
A gradual increase in soil acidity caused by leaching, removal of alkaline crop materials, or repeated use of acidifying fertilizers. Parent material and natural buffering capacity influence how strongly soils…
Filamentous bacteria that resemble fungi, important in decomposing organic matter in soil. They are responsible for the characteristic earthy smell of healthy soils.
The uptake and use of agricultural practices or management measures by farmers or land managers.
The process by which atoms, molecules, or ions attach to the surface of a solid such as clay or organic matter, usually through physical or chemical bonding.
Soil with sufficient pore space to allow air circulation. Such soils support healthy roots and microbes, unlike waterlogged soils where pores are filled with water.
Conditions or organisms that require oxygen to live and function. Examples include most soil microbes and all animals. Opposite of anaerobic.
A small mass of soil particles bound together by organic matter, clay, or microbial substances. Aggregates are building blocks of soil structure.
