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 is the foundation on which we grow, live, and work. Soil is a natural resource on this planet as critical as clean water and air and is the medium to anchor plant roots for plants to obtain nutrients, …

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

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.

Oct 29, 2025 · Soil is a complex natural resource that plays a vital role in supporting life on Earth. It acts as a medium for plant growth, a habitat for various organisms, and a crucial component of the Earth's …

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.

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 …

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. …

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...