OBJECTIVE FORESTRY

Detailed explanation-1: -Soil provides structural support to plants as roots can firmly hold the soil. It is also responsible for supplying water, nutrients and minerals that are essential for the proper growth of a plant. The micro-organisms present in soil helps in adding nutrients and minerals to the soil through their microbial actions.

Detailed explanation-2: -Soil is a major source of nutrients needed by plants for growth. The three main nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Together they make up the trio known as NPK. Other important nutrients are calcium, magnesium and sulfur.

Detailed explanation-3: -Plants need nutrients for the same reasons that animals need them. They need them to germinate, grow, fight off diseases and pests and to reproduce. Like animals, nutrients are needed in larger, smaller or trace amounts for the plant to stay healthy.

Detailed explanation-4: -Soils supply the essential nutrients, water, oxygen and root support that our food-producing plants need to grow and flourish. They also serve as a buffer to protect delicate plant roots from drastic fluctuations in temperature.

Detailed explanation-5: -Organic Matter. Organic matter consists of the remains of plants and animals and gives soil a gray to very-dark-brown color. Organic matter is home to many soil organisms. Earthworms, insects, bacteria, fungi, and animals use organic matter as food, breaking it down to obtain energy and essential nutrients.