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Soil

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Soil

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Definition

The usually thin upper surface layer of the earth’s crust comprising living organisms, organic matter, decomposed rock or unconsolidated sediments, water and gases with properties attributable to the interaction of its parent material, time, climate, fauna and flora.

Description

That earth material which has been so modified and acted on by physical, chemical and biological agents that it will support rooted plants.

Why is soil important?

Most groundwater recharge pass through this zone and the nature and thickness of this zone plays an important role in preventing contaminants reaching aquifers.

 

 

soil

Source: http://www.atmos.albany.edu