Natural Resources — Science STD 9 — Question

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:

1. It is a habitat to micro organsims like earthworms.
2. Soil provides water and minerals to plants to help them grow.
3. Apart from these, soil is used in construction purposes.
4. Soil is necessary to grow plants and crops.