Soil is essential for agriculture as it provides anchorage and nutrients for plant growth to produce food, clothing, and shelter. Soil is made up of different layers and contains decomposing organic matter called humus. Soil is formed through the weathering of rocks by wind, water, and climate and provides many uses beyond agriculture including building materials, pottery, cosmetics, and medicine. Proper management is needed to prevent soil contamination from industrial or agricultural pollution.

3. It provides anchorage to the plants and supplies water
and nutrients.
It is the home for many organisms
Soil is essential for Agriculture
Agriculture provides food, clothing and shelter for all.
Soil is thus an inseparable
part of our life.

5. Soil contamination or soil pollution is caused by the
presence of human-made chemicals or other
alteration in the natural soil environment.
 It is also caused by industrial activity, agricultural
chemicals or improper disposal of waste.

6. 1. Agriculture: Soil is fertile and has the
vital nutrients needed to support plant
growth for human and animal needs like
food and clothing.
2. Medicine :Soil can be used to make
medicine.

7. 3. Cosmetic Products:
Everyday cosmetic products
women use is made from soil,
examples - foundation, blush
and facial masks.
4. Pottery:
Clay soil is used to make pottery and
ceramics. When mixed with water and
due to its compact nature one can
mold the clay soil into pots, bowls,
plates etc.

8. 5. Building: Soil is used to build. A lot of building materials are made from soil
(bricks etc).

9. What is HUMUS
The rotting dead matter in the soil is called humus.
What is WEATHERING
 The soil is formed by the breaking down of rocks by the action of wind,
water and climate. This process is called weathering.
What is SOIL PROFILE
A vertical section through different layers of the soil is called the soil profile.

10. In soil there are four layers, each layer
differs in feel (texture), colour, depth
and chemical composition. These layers
are referred to as horizons

11. If we look at the sides of a recently dug ditch, we can
see the inner layers of the soil, too. Soil profile can also
be seen while digging a well or laying the foundation of
a building. It can also be seen at the sides of a road on a
hill or at a steep river bank