Components of Healthy Soil

Soil is important for life on earth which holds water and nutrients that leads to plant growth. Organic matter, minerals, water, air and living organisms are the key elements that together support life and build healthy soil. Let’s see a brief note on those major components.

 

Minerals:

It is a solid chemical compound that occurs naturally in pure form. Some major minerals are,

• Carbon - It is the building block for all organic chemistry.
• Calcium - It is the structural component of the cell wall, which in soil shifts pH to alkaline.
• Manganese - The key element for photosynthesis.
• Potassium - It involves in water management in the plant.
• Sulfur - The key component of amino acid and proteins.

Organic matter:

It is obtained from dead and decaying plants and animals. It is a carbon-based compound whose use in natural fertilizers as the organic matter increases the speed of microorganisms to break down the organic matter to form humus. Earth’s Honey organic fertilizer is considered as the best organic fertilizer in Ontario region, Canada. This humus helps in building healthy soil for plants.

Water:

Water is a chemical substance which is the key element for all living organisms in this world. It’s a solvent and carrier for plant nutrients. It is necessary for healthy soil.

Air:

Major portion of the soil volume contains pores filled with air and water. Oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapors are major gases found in the soil. Air is one of the elements of soil for the survival of microorganisms.

Microorganisms:

There are millions of microbes in soil which predominantly includes bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and worms. These microorganisms improve the soil structure which results in healthy soil for the growth of plants.