Download Introduction Definition Factors Affecting Soil Formation How can we

SOIL
Introduction
Definition
Factors Affecting
Soil Formation
How can we conserve soil?
SOIL
Soil is the base of
the terrestrial life
supporting system
 It is a fragile
resource which
can be easily
damaged by human
activity
 It must be
conserved and
treated with care

Definition of soil

Soil is the mixture of disintegrated rock
material comprising mineral product
together with decayed organic material
and living organisms
Factors affecting soil formation
Weathering
 Breaking down and decomposition of rocks
due to effect of sun, rain and wind is called
weathering
 The colour, structure , mineral content in soil
is formed due to it
Climate
Without climate
weathering cannot
take place.
 Climate has
different effects on
different types of
rocks
 Climate can be
regarded as the
most dominant
factor in soil
formation

Biomass


The decomposition
of organic matter
gives humus and
bacteria to do the
activity of mixing and
shifting of soil
materials
The decayed matter
also increases
chemical action and
lends colour and
texture to soil
Topography
It includes slop as well as the direction with
respect to sunshine and winds
 Gentle slopes favour soil formation, while steep
slopes lead to soil erosion

CONSERVATION OF SOIL
Afforestation
 The humus in soil is a substance obtained from
plant and animal remains
 Therefore, planting of trees, shrubs, grasses
provided base for forming humus

Farming techniques


Terrace farming
Wide flat rows are made in step-like manner. Terrace
hold rain water and prevent soil from getting washed
down the slope
Farming techniques

Contour ploughingfarmers plough across a
slope along the line of the
field in circular manner
Mulching

It is covering of bare ground between
plants, with a layer of organic matter like
straw to retain soil moisture
Contour Barriers

It is the using of stone, grass,
to build barriers along
contours
ROCK DAM
Rocks are piled up to slow down the flow of
water
Inter cropping

Different crops are grown in alternate
rows and are sown at different times to
protect the soil from rain wash
Shelter Belts

Rows of trees are planted in coastal and
dry regions, to check the wind movement
and to protect soil cover
Made By
 Ms. Farhana Moollan
