The Complex World Beneath Our Feet: Understanding Soil Science
Soil is the foundation of life on earth. It's the layer of organic and inorganic material that covers the earth's surface, supporting plant growth and providing the base for many of the ecosystems we depend on. Yet, despite its critical role, many of us take soil for granted, failing to appreciate the complexity and diversity that lies beneath our feet. Soil science is the study of this complex world, examining the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, and the ways in which it interacts with the environment. In this post, we'll explore some of the key concepts of soil science, from soil surface to soil map unit. Soil Surface : The soil surface is the top layer of soil, which is in direct contact with the atmosphere and is influenced by weather, climate, and human activities. This layer is where most plant roots grow, and where many of the chemical and biological processes that support plant growth occur. Soil Individual : Soil individual is a term