Soil properties and management

Soil properties and management

Soil Properties

• Soil composition involves a mix of mineral particles, organic matter, water and air.
• The types of mineral particles present in soil typically fall into three categories: sand, silt, and clay.
• The ratio of these three categories determines the soil’s texture.
• Soil structure refers to how these particles bind together and the resultant pore spaces.
• Soil pH is a key determinant in the types of plants that can grow in it as it affects nutrient availability.
• Soil colour can indicate its mineral content and level of organic matter.
• The depth of soil can affect its capability to store water and support plant roots.

Soil Quality Indicators

• The level of organic matter in the soil is a key marker of its fertility and its ability to retain water.
• Soil porosity determines the amount of water the soil can store and how readily that water can be accessed by plant roots.
• Soil permeability measures the ease with which gases and water can move through the soil.
• The presence of organisms such as earthworms and fungi signals a healthy and productive soil.

Soil Management Techniques

• Crop rotation involves changing the crop planted in a field season after season, to replenish soil nutrients and disrupt pest and disease cycles.
• Cover cropping can safeguard against soil erosion by keeping the soil covered at all times.
• Soil testing provides vital information on pH and nutrient levels, allowing for accurate fertiliser application.
• The use of organic matter like compost, manure or leaf litter can improve soil structure, water holding capacity and nutrient levels.
• Minimum tillage is a technique designed to prevent soil erosion whilst allowing crops to be planted.
• Soil conservation methods can help maintain soil quality over time, such as maintaining a cover of vegetation on sloping land to protect from erosion.
• Irrigation management can ensure sufficient watering of crops without causing waterlogging or soil erosion.

Soil Issues and Solutions

• Soil erosion is a significant issue and can be managed by ensuring soil is adequately protected and covered.
• Soil degradation can be caused by pollution, overgrazing and inappropriate farming practices, and can be reversed through strategies like organic farming, afforestation and controlled grazing.
• Overuse of chemical fertilisers can cause soil acidification and nutrient imbalance. This is preventable by balancing the use of inorganic and organic fertilisers.
• Soil compaction, caused by machinery or livestock, can impede plant growth and water infiltration. This can be minimised through using suitable machinery and controlling the use of livestock.