Define soil
Alex B. McBratney, Alfred E. Hartemink
Abstract
Two new brief definitions of soil are proposed to improve soil understanding among the general populous and to enhance soil connectivity. One definition is “The layered material at the earth's surface, which has resulted from chemical and biological processes and physical organisation of minerals and organic matter, and which supports terrestrial ecosystems and humanity.”
Topics & Concepts
Earth scienceOrganic matterEnvironmental scienceEarth (classical element)Terrestrial ecosystemEcosystemSoil organic matterSoil scienceSoil waterEcologyGeologyBiologyMathematicsMathematical physicsSoil Carbon and Nitrogen DynamicsSoil and Land Suitability Analysis