Learn Everything About Soil Science

What is the Vadose Zone? The vadose zone, also known as the unsaturated zone or zone of aeration, is a critical component of the Earth's subsurface. It plays a significant role in the hydrological cycle and has implications for water resources, agriculture, and environmental management. Given it's importance, it is necessary to understand the vadose zone. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, processes, and importance of the vadose zone. The vadose zone, situated between the land surface and the groundwater table, is an essential area where soil or rock contains both air and water. Unlike the saturated zone, which is completely filled with water, the vadose zone's pore spaces are partially filled. This unique zone has attracted attention due to its significant influence on water movement, quality, and availability. The Vadose Zone Definition of the Vadose Zone The vadose zone refers to the region in the subsurface where the soil or rock is not satur...

What is Soil Fertility? Soil fertility refers to the capacity of soil to provide essential nutrients and favorable conditions for plant growth, ensuring optimal yields and healthy crops. Soil fertility plays a pivotal in the development and production of crops. Therefore, fertile soil is an invaluable asset to farmers. To manage soil fertility, proper field practices should be adopted that are appropriate and ensure sustainable soil productivity. And the strategies to improve soil fertility should be employed. The cultivation methods that are friendly to environment and preserve soil fertility should be prioritized. The farmers who possess this knowledge can maximize their yield for a long time. And the improper field practices that can potentially deplete soil fertility must be avoided. Strategies to Improve Soil Fertility Importance of Soil Fertility Soil fertility is the foundation of successful agriculture and gardening. Fertile soil provides plants with the necessary nut...

  How to Manage Alkaline Soil? 7 Ways Alkaline Soil: Alkaline soil has a pH greater than seven ( >7 ). It is common in Arid and Semi-arid climates. Almost 25% of the soils on the earth’s surface are alkaline in nature. It is rich in calcium carbonate ( CaCO 3 ) and has a high porosity and is freely draining.       Characteristics of Alkaline Soil: Electrical conductivity (EC) 4 mmhos.cm -1 . Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) is 15 . Classification of Alkaline Soil: Alkaline soil can be classified into the following types : Saline alkali Soil:  Alkali soil that contains salts in excess are known as Saline Alkali Soil. Non-Saline Alkali Soil:  Alkali soil that does not contain soluble salts are called non-saline alkali soil. Degraded alkali Soil:  When the clay complex of some alkali soil undergoes degradation, the resulting soil is called degraded alkaline soil. Causes of High pH: The factors that contribute to...

  How to Manage Acidic Soil? 4 Amendments Soil pH plays a key role in the productivity of the soil because it controls nutrients availability and activities of microorganisms. Typically soil pH ranges between 5.5 and 8.0 while ideal soil pH for most prairie crops to show optimum growth is 6.5 to 6.8 . If you want to grow certain plants, including vegetables, and lawn grasses or crops, acidic soil (pH <5.5) can pose serious problem. Generally, most of the plants struggle to show normal growth in a soil that is too acidic because the acidity prevents them from absorbing nutrients from the soil. Soil pH Testing Acidic Soil: Moderate Acidic Soil:   5.6 to 6.0 Strongly Acidic Soil: 5.1-5.5 Very strongly Acidic Soil: <5.0 Effects of Soil Hyperacidity: Low pH accelerates the solubility of Zinc, Iron and Aluminum that results in toxic soil conditions. Uptake of Nitrogen and Phosphorus is negatively affected. Causes decline in productivity Influences m...

  What is Soil? Soil is natural source that serves as a medium for plant growth. Without soil, probably plants would not have even existed and hence the very existence of life of all forms would have been challenged and perished. Soil can be defined as, ‘The non-consolidated upper part of earth crust that serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants is called soil.’ (Soil Science Society of America 1987).     The identification of soil types is highly important before a specific plant is grown. Because some plants require one type of soil while others require other type. The soil types include Sandy, Clay, Silty, Loam, Peat, and Chalk. The soil type depends on the proportion of size of particles within a soil.    Major Types of Soil Sandy soil ·          Sandy Soil is light due to high proportion of sand and low amount of clay. ·          It warms up qu...