Soil is a special natural body formed on the surface of the Earth as a result of the interaction of living (organic) and dead (inorganic) nature. The most important property of soil, which distinguishes it from rocks, is fertility. It is caused by the presence of organic matter, humus, or humus, in soils. Due to their fertility, soils are the greatest natural wealth, which must be used very wisely. Soils form very slowly: over 100 years, soil thickness increases by 0.5 - 2 cm.
Soil formation factors
Outstanding Russian scientist - founder of soil science (pedology) V.V. wrote that soil is the “mirror” of nature. , climate, water, microorganisms, plants and animals are involved in the formation of soils. Among these factors, human activity occupies a special place.
Soil structure. The formation of soils involves the formation of humus and the movement of organic matter, and the formation of humus and the movement of organic and mineral compounds within soil profile.
The upper horizon is humus. It is densely permeated with roots. Here the accumulation of organic matter and the formation of humus occurs. The humus horizon is the darkest. Its color depends on the accumulated humus. The amount of humus decreases from top to bottom, so the horizon is lighter in the lower part. When precipitation falls and snow melts, moisture seeps through the humus horizon, which dissolves and removes some of the organic and mineral compounds from it. In soils formed under conditions of large soil conditions, a leaching horizon forms under the humus horizon.
This is a very clarified horizon, from which a significant part of organic and mineral compounds has been removed.
Sometimes everything that can dissolve is taken out, and only silica remains. This is a podzolic horizon.
Below lies the washout horizon. It receives what the upper part of the soil loses. Beneath it there is a slightly altered parent rock, on which the process of soil formation initially began. There is a continuous exchange of matter between the soils through the circulation of the soil solution.
According to the structure of the soil profile, i.e. according to the degree of expression of individual horizons, their thickness and chemical composition, determine whether the soil belongs to a certain type.
According to the mechanical composition - the ratio of different sized mineral particles (sand, clay) soils are divided into clayey, loamy and sandy.
The maintenance of a water and air regime favorable to plants is facilitated by soil structure - the ability of soil particles to combine into relatively stable lumps. The shape and size of the lumps are not the same in different types soil The best is a granular, or finely lumpy, structure with lumps with a diameter of 1 - 10 mm. If there is little humus and clay particles, then such soils are usually structureless (sandy and often sandy loam).
Soil diversity and placement
The type, mechanical composition, structure of the soil, its fertility, etc. depend on the combination of soil formation factors in specific conditions. The distribution of soils on Earth depends primarily on. There is a change in soils, and in the mountains - from the foot to the peaks.
Under the same climate, soil diversity is determined by topography and rocks. Each territory is characterized by its own combination of soils with certain properties. The main types of soils common in Russia are: tundra-gley, podzolic, gray forest, chestnut.
Are the words “earth” and “soil” synonymous? Yes and no. How is this possible? Yes, very simple! Each of these words has many interpretations, and if we take, for example, one of the meanings of the word “earth”, then it will correspond to one of the meanings of the word “soil”. How earth differs from soil will be discussed in more detail below.
Ambiguous words
So when they talk about " soil", then this word can mean the following concepts:
- top layer earth's crust, containing rotted remains of organisms;
- “bottom” of a mine working;
- term in heraldry;
- river in Siberia.
« Earth" - much more ambiguous word, and it is hardly advisable to give all its meanings. Let's remember the most popular:
- our planet;
- the surface layer of the earth's land (this is what it has in common with “soil”);
- land as opposed to the ocean;
- traditional translation into Russian of the names of administrative-territorial units of many states.
What is the difference between earth and soil, if in both cases they mean the upper layer of land on which everything grows? There is no difference, these are synonyms. Specialists (soil scientists, agronomists, etc.) usually use the word “soil”. Everyone else says “earth”.
Comparison
As for the other meanings of the words “earth” and “soil,” they mean a variety of things and abstract concepts. When talking about the motives for committing a particular act, they say the phrase “committed on the basis of.” And further follows keyword– based on hatred (most often) or love. The word “soil” in this case is used to designate a certain basis on which things grow. strong feelings, capable of pushing both to feat and to crime. This is an example of an abstract application.
“Earth”, in addition to those listed above, has a number of meanings used to name a variety of things. This is a profound word, which from time immemorial has meant a lot to agricultural peoples. Therefore, it is not surprising that this is the name of four feature films, three studio albums of various musical groups and a rural newspaper published in Transbaikalia. In addition, “earth” is a letter of the old Slavic Cyrillic alphabet, and electricians also have a slang name for grounding. At this point, perhaps, we can put an end to the conversation about what is the difference between earth and soil.
Useful solutions for growing plants are made by mixing ordinary soil with various additives (other types of soil, sand, etc.).
For flowers growing in pots, the roots take up quite a bit of space, and they grow up to small size, therefore the soil should contain many substances useful for the plant.
1. Ground from cut turf(also known as Turf Soil), it is added to many soil solutions. It contains a lot of different components that are useful for flowers. Among the disadvantages, one can note its predisposition to compaction.
2. Leaf humus(also known as leaf or foliage soil). This kind of soil is obtained as a result of the debate of fallen leaves. It contains a lot of useful components, it distinctive features: lightness, prone to loosening. This type of soil is used for growing flowers that cannot tolerate humus consisting of manure. This type of soil is stored from the forest, taking the surface layer of the earth. The accumulated foliage is placed in piles up to one and a half meters high, the whole thing is moistened with liquefied manure, and after two years this soil is ready for use.
3. Sand from rivers, they perform the function of loosening the earth. It is preferable to use sand consisting of large grains of sand. Also, it improves the quality of clay soils.
4. Manure humus. Such land is formed as a result of mixing rotted manure and humus from greenhouses. Just like compost, it is laid in piles. The peculiarity of this earth is that it is very crumbly, soft and moisture-absorbing, it enhances the qualities of earthen mixtures.
5. Peat humus- This is a crumbly, airy, well-absorbing mass that is formed due to the rotting of bog peat. This mass improves the properties of the earth. Adding it to the soil increases its subacidity, therefore it is worth carefully monitoring the level of acid, both the added mass and the soil to which it is added, and if something happens, dilute the soil with a mixture of limestone and chalk.
6. Sphagnum, it is mixed with soil to increase its airiness, friability and ability to absorb water vapor from the air. It is worth noting that before adding, sphagnum must be passed through a sieve. Soil mixed with sphagnum is suitable for growing lilies of the valley and orchids.
Classification of earth solutions
Thus, in order to make useful earthen solutions, you need to consider the planting conditions various colors for whom they are made. However, it is very difficult to study the requirements for each plant, which is why earth solutions are classified for plants with similar planting conditions:
- Heavy solution. Consists of five components. The first three are ground from cut turf, the fourth is humus, the fifth is river sand
- Medium weight solution. It is made from two portions of chopped turf soil, two portions of leaf humus, two portions of ordinary humus and one portion of coarse sand from rivers.
- Lightweight solution. It is prepared from one portion of turf soil, three parts of leaf humus and one portion of river sand.
Based on high peat (decomposed sphagnum moss that grows in high bogs) - contains minimum quantity minerals, characterized by breathability, good water absorption and moisture retention. This substrate is often used as temporary soil when transporting plants, as well as for selling potted plants.
Based on lowland peat (extracted from lowland swamps, lakes and rivers) - it is characterized by the presence of a large amount of minerals and retains moisture well. However, it cakes quickly, takes a long time to dry out, and as a result, plant roots often rot. Soil based on lowland peat is used as a component of a soil mixture prepared independently, but not as an independent substrate.
Based on vermicompost (a product of manure processed by earthworms) - rich in organic substances and living organisms. Such soil is used as a component of the soil mixture to enrich it. Vermicompost is an alternative to humus.
Special primer for indoor flowers
- For orchids- a mixture of peat, charcoal, crushed pine bark, sphagnum moss. For epiphytes, they do not use soil, but pieces of pine bark or driftwood wrapped in sphagnum moss.
- For azalea– high-moor peat, pine needles, sand. The soil is moderately acidic and loose, with a low content of nutrients.
- For palm trees– a soil mixture of high-moor peat, leaf and turf land, sand. The soil is nutritious, with a neutral reaction.
- For cacti- sand, leaf soil or high peat, depending on the group of cacti (there are forest and desert).
- For violets– high-moor peat, sand, coniferous soil, charcoal, sphagnum moss.
- For ferns– peat, sand, humus.
But do not think that ready-made mixtures for the plants mentioned above are ideal. There are many species of the same genus that naturally grow in different conditions. Therefore, purchasing ready soil it must be supplemented with the components necessary for a particular plant type.
Some specialized soils are suitable for growing other types of plants. Usually such information is indicated on the packaging.
What to look for when choosing ready-made soil
Soil for flowers:
- must allow air to pass through;
- must be nutritious;
- should not retain moisture for a long time;
- must not contain pests or pathogens;
- soil acidity must correspond to the level needed specific species plants.
Thus, you need to approach the selection and preparation of soil responsibly, because certain types of plants require a certain soil, otherwise the wrong choice of soil can lead to the death of the plant, or in any case, the flower can get sick or lose its properties.
For the gardener and gardener the most important factor is the quality of the land on his site.
Different types differ in the following characteristics:
- structure;
- ability to pass air;
- hygroscopicity;
- heat capacity;
- density;
- acidity;
- saturation with micro- and macroelements, organic matter.
Clayey
This is the land with high density, weakly expressed structure, contains up to 80% clay, heats up slightly and releases water. It does not allow air to pass through well, which slows down the decomposition in it. When wet, it is slippery, sticky, and plastic. From it you can roll a bar 15-18 cm long, which can then be easily rolled into a ring without cracks. Typically clay soils are acidified. The agrotechnical characteristics of clay soil can be improved in stages, over several seasons.
Important! To better warm up the beds in clayey areas, they are formed quite high, and the seeds are buried less into the ground. In the fall, before frost sets in, the soil is dug up without breaking up the lumps.
Such soils are optimized by adding:- lime to reduce acidity and improve aeration - 0.3-0.4 kg per square meter. m, introduced in the autumn;
- sand for better moisture exchange, no more than 40 kg/square meter;
- to reduce density, increase friability;
- for saturation with minerals;
- to replenish organic reserves, 1.5-2 buckets per square meter. m per year.
This type of soil must be thoroughly loosened and mulched. and with a developed root system grow quite well on clay soils.
Did you know? Technical grade red grapes« Merlot» grows well in the clay-pebble soils of Pomerol, the smallest wine-growing region in France, province of Bordeaux.
Loamy
Outwardly similar to clay, but with better agriculture characteristics. Loam, if you need to visualize what it is, is soil that can also be rolled into a sausage when wet and bent into a ring. A sample of loamy soil holds its shape, but will crack. The color of loam depends on the impurities and can be black, gray, brown, red and yellow.
Thanks to its neutral acidity and balanced composition (clay - 10-30%, sand and other impurities - 60-90%), loam is quite fertile and versatile, suitable for growing almost all crops. The structure of the soil has a fine-grained structure, which allows it to remain loose and allow air to pass through well. Thanks to clay admixtures, loam retains water for a long time.
To maintain the fertility of loams, do the following:
- fertilizing crops with fertilizers;
- adding manure for autumn digging.
Sandy
Light, loose, loose sandy soil contains a high percentage of sand and does not retain moisture and nutrients.
TO positive properties sandstones can be attributed to high air permeability and rapid heating. The following grow well in this soil:
- and berry trees;
- plants of the pumpkin family.
Sandstone can be cultivated by adding additives that increase viscosity:
Sideration improves the mechanical structure and saturates it with organic and mineral substances. To save resources, there is another method of organizing beds - a clay castle.
In place of the beds, a layer of clay of 5-6 cm is poured, on top of which a layer of fertile soil is applied - loam, chernozem, sandy loam soil in which the plants are sown. The clay layer will retain moisture and nutrients. If there is no fertile soil for making beds, it can be replaced with improved sandstone mixed with additives for viscosity and fertility.
Sandy loam
To determine this type of soil, we also try to make a donut from wet soil. Sandy loam soil will roll into a ball, but it cannot be rolled into a bar. The sand content in it is up to 90%, clay up to 20%. Another example of what kind of soils there are that do not require costly and time-consuming cultivation. The substrate is light, warms up quickly, retains heat, moisture and organic matter well, and is quite easy to process.
It is necessary to select zoned plant varieties for planting and maintain fertility:
- dosed application of mineral and organic fertilizers;
- mulching and green manure.
Limestone
Soils of this type can be light or heavy; their disadvantages are:
- poverty - low levels of nutrients;
- low acidity;
- rockiness;
- quick drying.
- making
- enrichment with ammonium sulfate and to increase acidity;
- mulching;
- green manure;
- application of organic fertilizers.
Peat
These soils have increased acidity, warm up poorly and can become swampy.
At the same time, they are quite easy to cultivate.
The question asked is by no means as primitive and simple as it might initially seem to someone. It should be immediately noted that both soil and ground are the main subjects for the study of the corresponding partially overlapping disciplines: soil science and soil science.
Russian term soil science refers to the specialized scientific discipline of soils as a separate natural body. This scientific discipline is part of natural science and belongs to the family of geosciences. Soil science studies the structure, composition, properties, origin, development, distribution and fertility of soils, and also develops measures for their rational use/protection. The founding father of the discipline is considered to be V.V. Dokuchaev, who wrote a monograph and doctoral dissertation on the topic “Russian Chernozem”, and the year of its official defense (1883) began to be considered the “birth year” of soil science.
A term similar in origin soil science is a specialized branch of engineering geology, a separate science of soils. This scientific discipline studies the composition, structure, properties and condition of soils, the soil masses/thicknesses/bodies they comprise, as well as the patterns of their formation, changes in time/space under the influence of modern and predicted geoprocesses occurring in the earth's crust under the influence of the entire active set of natural factors - and above all in connection with engineering and economic/engineering and construction human activity. The object of study in soil science is any soil - from rocks, soils and sediments to artificial geological formations.
Definitions
Soil is the upper (surface) layer of the earth's lithosphere, which has fertility and is a multifunctional open heterogeneous system of four phases (liquid/solid/gaseous plus living organisms), structurally formed as a result of the processes of vital activity of organisms and weathering of rocks.
Soil is a dynamic multicomponent system (as mentioned above, it includes rocks, sediments/soils and technogenic formations), which is part of the geological environment and is considered in direct connection with engineering and economic human activities.
We will immediately refer those who wish to receive more detailed interpretations to the relevant specialized literature, and here we will try to isolate key point, important for “everyday” understanding - and will help us with this... Ridley Scott’s film “The Martian”. Recall: in the context of interest to us main character is engaged in the targeted transformation of Martian soil into soil, using available organic matter, water and microorganisms, ultimately achieving the manifestation of the main property of the soil - fertility in relation to the planted plant.
There is also a strict definition for the concept of “soil fertility”: this is the ability of the soil to satisfy the needs of the plants placed in it in nutrients, air and moisture, as well as provide them with conditions for normal life.
In this regard, it would also be useful to mention a couple more definitions that are already in circulation in the normative literature:
- According to GOST 54003-2010, soil is either an artificially created but at the same time fertile soil mass, or a fertile layer mechanically removed from the surface of any land plot or brought onto it.
- According to GOST 27593-88, soil is a natural historical organomineral independent natural body formed on earth's surface as a result of prolonged exposure to abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic factors, including solid mineral/organic particles, air and water, and also having special genetic and morphological properties and characteristics that create appropriate conditions for the development and growth of plants.
Conclusions
So, if we return from Mars to the sinful Earth and consider any one and the same piece of lawn from the point of view of the terms that interest us, then the following immediately becomes obvious:
- Looking at it as “soil,” we consider it primarily from an engineering-mechanistic (economic) point of view (most often as a potential object in engineering and construction activities).
- Considering it as “soil”, we are primarily interested in its fertility relative to the plant that will be grown on it in the future (it is important to understand that the requirements different plants to soil fertility can be different and generally highly specific).
