Define the soil? Give its composition and functions.

The topmost layer of earth’s crust that supports life forms is known as soil. Soil decides the diversity of soil in a area.

Soil is composed of 45% minerals, 25% water, 25% air and 5% organic matter. Soil contains small particles or rocks of different sizes, bits of decayed living organisms and various forms of microscopic life.

Various functions of soil are-

● It is a habitat to microorgansims like earthworms.

● Soil provides water and minerals to plants to help them grow.

● Apart from these, soil is used in construction purposes.

● Soil is necessary to grow plants and crops.