The document discusses soil formation, characteristics, degradation, desertification, and pollution. It explains that soils are formed either in place from rock or from transported weathered rock and minerals. Most soils have distinct horizons that differ in composition and properties. The document then outlines several key soil characteristics like color, texture, structure, and pH. It also discusses how soil degradation and desertification can impact ecosystems and productivity. Lastly, it notes that irrigation and pesticide use can improve soils but also pollute them if overused.

1. Soil Formation
By: Curtanna Whittington & Leshanna Lofton

2. Soils may be formed in place from rock
or formed in weathered rock and
minerals that have been transported
from where the original rock occurred.

3. Horizons
Most soils possess soil
horizons- distinctive
horizontal layers that
differ in physical
composition, chemical
composition, or organic
content or structure.

4. Soil Characteristics
(Color] The color of a soil reveals details about its
composition and fertility.
(Texture] Soil textures based on particle size.
(Structure] Soil structure describes the arrangement of soil
particles. Which you can see it in the “clumpiness” of soil.
(pH] a soil’s acidity or alkalinity affects its ability to
support plant growth.

5. Soil Degradation
The soil characteristics needed for plant
growth or other ecosystem services. Also,
soil degradation results in major ecosystem
changes.

6. Soil Desertification
It’s a loss of more than 10% of productivity due to
erosion, soil compaction, forest removal, overgrazing,
drought, salt buildup, climate change, depletion of
water sources, and other factors.

7. Soil Pollution
Irrigation and pesticide use can improve soil
productivity in the short term, but they can pollute soil
in the long term.
• Irrigation – using source other than precipitation to water crops.
• Salinization – the buildup of salts in the surface layers of soil.
• Pesticides – a chemical used to kill organisms that attack or
compete with plants that humans value.

8. Soil Conservation Practices:
Soil Conservation is maintaining good soil health, by various practices. The
aim of soil conversation is to prevent soil erosion, soil’s overuse and
prevent soil contamination from chemicals. There are many ways to
conserve soil, some are suited to those areas where farming is done, and
some are according to the soil needs.
Examples :
• Intercropping
• Crop Rotation
• Shelterbelts
• Conservation Tillage
• Terracing
• Contour Farming