Soil, also commonly referred to as earth, is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, water, and organisms that together support the life of plants and soil organisms. Some scientific definitions …

Jan 2, 2026 · The evolution of soils and their properties is called soil formation, and according to pedologists, five fundamental soil formation processes influence soil properties.

Soil consists of horizons near the Earth's surface that, in contrast to the underlying parent material, have been altered by the interactions of climate, relief, and living organisms over time.

Explore detailed soil survey maps and data using the ArcGIS Soil Survey Map application.

Welcome This interactive map allows you to explore USDA-NCSS soil survey data for locations throughout most of the U.S. It is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. …

Soil is the only ecosystem that integrates the four major earth systems — the lithosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. It is the living, breathing skin of our earth, and without it life as we …

Nov 4, 2024 · Understanding soil composition and types is essential for sustainable agriculture, land management, and environmental conservation. This article delves deeper into the components of …

Aug 1, 2025 · Soils are the foundation of terrestrial systems, storing water and nutrients that support forests, crops, and human societies. Geology, climate, ecosystems, and human activities all affect soils.

In this article readers are introduced to the many facets of soils - their unique characteristics and diversity, the ecosystem services that soils provide, and their use and misuse. Soils are...

Plants grow in and from soils, and plants—directly or indirectly—feed almost all life on Earth. Soil-dwellers such as bacteria and fungi recycle once-living organisms into nutrients and soil organic …