Soil is a complex mixture of both organic and inorganic materials. The composition of soil can vary greatly depending on factors such as climate, geology, vegetation, and time.



Inorganic materials make up the majority of soil and include the following:

• Minerals: Soil minerals are formed from rocks and other materials through weathering and erosion. They provide essential nutrients for plant growth and can also affect soil structure.


• Sand, silt, and clay: These are the three main soil particles that make up soil texture. Sand particles are the largest, followed by silt, and then clay. The combination of these particles affects soil drainage, aeration, and water-holding capacity.


• Water and air: Soil also contains varying amounts of water and air, which are important for supporting plant growth and soil organisms.

Organic materials are derived from living organisms and include the following:

• Plant and animal remains: As plants and animals decompose, they release nutrients into the soil. This organic matter helps improve soil structure and fertility.


• Microorganisms: Soil is home to a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. These organisms play an important role in soil nutrient cycling and decomposition.


• Humus: Humus is the dark, organic material that remains after plant and animal remains have decomposed. It helps improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability.

Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil. It is an important factor that affects plant growth and nutrient availability. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.



Cation exchange capacity (CEC) is a measure of a soil's ability to hold onto and exchange positively charged ions, such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Soils with a high CEC are able to hold onto more nutrients and make them available to plants.



In conclusion, soil is a complex mixture of both organic and inorganic materials. Understanding the composition of soil is important for managing soil fertility and supporting plant growth.

Composition of soil depends on the organic substance fertility and many more and they are :-
1.) Organic Substances
2.) Inorganic Substances
3.) Living Organisms