EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The basic components of soil are minerals, organic matter, water and air. The typical soil consists of approximately 45% mineral, 5% organic matter, 20-30% water, and 20-30% air.

Detailed explanation-2: -Soil is a material composed of five ingredients-minerals, soil organic matter, living organisms, gas, and water. Soil minerals are divided into three size classes-clay, silt, and sand (Figure 1); the percentages of particles in these size classes is called soil texture.

Detailed explanation-3: -The soil is an example of a heterogeneous mixture. It is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life.

Detailed explanation-4: -There are six main soil groups: clay, sandy, silty, peaty, chalky and loamy.