Definition of Soil and Soil Science


Soil

Soil is the unconsolidated upper part of the earth's crust which serves as a natural medium for the growth of plants. It is dynamic in nature and composed of minerals and organic materials, water, air and living forms (plants and animals) that support plant growth.

Soil Science

It is the branch of science or agriculture that deals with soils as a natural resource on the surface of the earth. It includes the study of soil formation, classification and the physical, chemical, biological and fertility properties of soil in relation to their management for growth of plants and sustaining a clean environment.
       


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Grafting Method - Inarching or Approach Grafting

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Inarching or Approach Grafting Unlike other grafting operations, in inarching the scion is attached to the stock while it is still attached to the parent plant. Round the world, the method has been extensively used in the vegetative propagation of mango. The method involves potting healthy one-year- old seedling in earthen pots, which are usually 12 in deep and 8 in wide at the top. The earth ball along with root system is kept intact and placed in the pot. The unfilled space in the pot is then filled with a mixture of well- rotted manure and canal silt. The soil is firmly pressed around the earth ball and the transplanted seedlings are then watered. Potting of seedlings is usually done one month ahead of actual inarching operations. This allows sufficient time for the seedlings to set before grafting. Inarching can either be done in the spring months or in the rainy season. July and August are preferred over the spring season because after inarching operations in the spr
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Parent Material of Soil

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Parent Material of Soil Unconsolidated product of weathering from which soil develops is called parent material. Generally there are two groups of parent materials, i.e. sedentary and transported. The transported materials are further subdivided according to transporting agency and place of deposition. Sedentary or Residual                                            The parent material formed in place and still at the original site. Transported                       The parent material carried and deposited by various transporting agencies. By gravity- Colluvial By water- Alluvial By ice- Glacial By wind- Eolian The nature and properties of parent material together with climate are the most important factors affecting the kind and quality of soils. So to understand soils we must know the source of material, mechanisms of weathering and transporting agencies. Sedentary or Residual Parent Material                                                      
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Green Manuring

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Green Manuring A growing crop that is plowed under and mixed with soil to enrich the organic matter is called green manure crop. The practice of plowing under or soil incorporation of such green manure is called green manuring. Green manures are mostly leguminous crops which are high in nitrogen contents. Generally following crops are suitable for green manuring: Jantar, Guara, Cow peas, Alfalfa, Sun hemp and Clover etc. Criteria for the selection of green manure crops It should be fast growing and easily established. It should produce abundant and succulent biomass. It should be well adapted to the local conditions. Growth habit of crop should encourage ground cover soon after its establishment. It should be able to fix nitrogen in the soil. It should have a wide climatic and soil adaptation and ability to grow on poor soil. Advantages Improves the soil fertility Adds nutrients and organic matter to the soil Improves the soil structure Improves soil aer
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