University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore

This book deals with all concept of soil as a natural body and medium for plant growth. namely, soil and its composition, soil forming rocks and minerals, soil formation, soil profile and its major horizons, physical properties of soil, soil collids, ion exchange, soil reaction, salt affected soils, soil acidity, submerged soils, reclamation of soil, soil biology, soil organic matter and its decomposition, soils of India. soil taxonomy, soil survey, and remote sensing and its application.

Soil is a natural body developed by natural forces acting on natural materials. It is usually differentiated into horizons of mineral and organic constituents of variable depth which differ from the parent material in morphology, physical, clerical and biological properties and composition. The interest in soil as a natural body originated from its ability to produce and sustain crops. Soil served as potential environment for growth and development of all kinds of crops and plants. It provides suitable conditions for root germination and growth. Soil is the basis of all production system in agriculture, forestry and fishery. Soil stores water and nutrients to make them available for proper growth and development of crops, grazing land, forest and vegetations, Soil texture, soil structure, soil colour, soil consistency and soil water are important properties, which support plant growth and development. Soil store large amounts of water between and within the network of pores of various sizes as well as within and around the various horizons of soil profile. The water is useful for an ideal growth of plant roots, animals and micro-organisms.