Deutsch: Boden/ Español: Suelo / Português: Solo / Français: Sol / Italiano: Suolo

Soil is the natural body consisting of minerals, mixed with some organic materials. It is covering the rock particles that covers the surface of the earth.

Description

Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, water, air, organic matter, and billions of living organisms that support plant life. It plays a crucial role in the environment by holding nutrients and providing a medium for plant growth. Soil also acts as a filter for contaminants, helps regulate water flow, and serves as a habitat for many organisms. Different types of soil can vary in texture, composition, and fertility, influencing the types of plants that can thrive in a particular area. Soil formation is a slow process that can take thousands of years, influenced by factors such as climate, vegetation, and topography.

Application Areas

• Agriculture
• Environmental conservation
• Ecological restoration
• Landscaping
• Construction

Treatment and Risks

• Soil remediation
• Soil erosion control
• Contaminant monitoring
• Soil conservation practices
• Management of soil pollution

Examples

• Farming practices enhancing soil health
• Wetland restoration projects
• Soil erosion prevention techniques
• Land reclamation efforts
• Phytoremediation of contaminated soils

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Dirt
• Earth
• Ground
• Topsoil
• Subsoil

Weblinks

• top500.de: 'Soil' in the glossary of the top500.de
• architektur-lexikon.de: 'Boden' in the architektur-lexikon.de (German)
• umweltdatenbank.de: 'Boden' im Lexikon der umweltdatenbank.de (German)

Articles with 'Soil' in the title

• Chiseling of compacted soils: Chiseling of compacted soils are Loosening the soil, without inverting and with a minimum of mixing of the surface soil, to shatter restrictive layers below the normal plow depth that inhibit water and air movement or root development ( . . .
• Clay Soil: A Clay Soil is Soil material containing more than 40 percent clay, less than 45 percent sand, and less than 40 percent silt . Other /More definition: A Clay Soil is soil composed chiefly of fine particles
• Contained-in Determination for Soil: A Contained-in Determination for Soil is Granted by EPA or an authorized state that certifies that soil is no longer considered a hazardous waste. You can apply for a contained-in determination if soil should not be managed as a hazardous . . .
• Contaminated soil: Contaminated soil in the environmental context refers to the presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or toxins in the soil at levels that pose a risk to human health, the environment, or both
• Soil carbon: A Soil carbon is a major component of the terrestrial Biosphere pool in the carbon cycle. The amount of carbon in the soil is a function of the historical vegetative cover and productivity, which in turn is dependent in part upon climatic . . .
• Soil remediation: Soil remediation in the environmental context refers to the process of cleaning up and restoring soil that has been contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or toxins, aiming to return the soil to a safe and healthy state
• Soil degradation: Deutsch: Bodendegradation / Español: Degradación del suelo / Português: Degradação do solo / Français: Dégradation des sols / Italiano: Degradazione del suolo- Soil degradation in the environmental context refers to the decline in . . .

Summary

Soil is a vital component of the environment, serving as a foundation for plant life and supporting various ecological processes. It is essential for agriculture, conservation, and overall ecosystem health. Understanding soil composition, management, and protection is crucial for sustainable environmental practices in diverse applications.

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