5. Soil

Soil constitutes a major element in the natural environment, linking climate and vegetation, and they have a profound effect on man’s activities through their relative fertility. It is a valuable resource and the most important layer of the earth’s crust. Soils are very much dynamic entities in which physical, chemical and biological activities are continually taking place.

5.1. Soil Properties Figure 22 – soil texture and structure 5.2. Soil Horizons Figure 23 – cross section of Soil profile along a tree Parent Material Topography Climate Biological Activity Time 5.4. Soil Classification 5.4.1. Soil Classification in India Figure 24 – Major Soil types of India 5.5. Soil Degradation 5.6. Soil Erosion Figure 25 – Gully erosion 5.7. Soil Management Figure 26 – soil management techniques