Soil and soil what is the difference: differences between concepts and description of the term earth

Every gardener dreams of harvesting a good harvest from his plot. This requires fertile soil. Reading information on gardening portals and in print media, people often come across the definitions of "soil" and "soil" without grasping the difference. Despite the similarity of the concepts, they differ significantly. The difference between soil and soil will be discussed.

What is meant by the term "soil"

The top fertile layer of the earth, suitable for growing plants, is called soil. It provides plantings with nutrients, oxygen, water, essential trace elements.

The fertility and thickness of this layer depends on the climate, which is responsible for the rate of decomposition in the surface layer of organic remains of decayed grass, foliage, the possibility of reproduction and development of beneficial insects (for example, earthworms) that can process the organic component of the upper layer, saturate its oxygen, loosening large lumps. Rainfall, wind and water erosion also affect soil quality.

Wind erosion is the movement of the smallest particles of the fertile layer due to strong winds or weak, constantly blowing winds. Water erosion occurs when rivers flood, flow from the slopes of melt water.

In a warm climate, in areas without sudden temperature changes and with sufficient rainfall, the soil is more fertile, the layer that ensures the growth and development of plants, supplying them with the necessary elements, can be more than a meter.In the temperate climate zone and as we move to the northern latitudes, the thickness of the fertile layer decreases and amounts to only a few centimeters.

Description of the term "land"

It has several meanings. This is the name of the planet, the definition of the space not occupied by water, and this is also the name of the fertile soil necessary for the development of plants and other life forms in the surface fertile layer rich in organic matter. The terms "earth", "soil" and "soil" are often used by gardeners. In relation to the garden, the first two have the same meaning.

The concept of soil is somewhat different. It can be fertile, then it can be called soil, or it can be crushed rock remains, barren desert sand, land containing very little organic matter and not suitable for cultivation.

How to distinguish quality soil from the ground

Over time, the soil in the summer cottage is depleted, yields decrease, then it becomes necessary to bring new fertile soil to the site.

There are several types of substance:

1. Vegetable soil is a multi-component mixture consisting of sand, peat and humus in a ratio of 10% + 10% + 5%. The basis of this mixture is sifted soil, free from pebbles and plant residues. It is suitable for lawns, flower beds, landscaping.
2. A complex of the same components, but in a larger percentage of components, is considered fertile soil. It contains 10% sand, which prevents soil from clumping and caking, and 30% each of peat, soil and compost.
3. Chernozem is a type of upper fertile layer, especially valued by summer residents and containing a large number of unique organic compounds. It is mixed with the soil on the site, significantly raising its fertility.
4. Peat is an organic compound capable of lightening heavy soils, making them more moisture and breathable.

Ordinary soil added to a plot will not improve yields. It is very different from fertile soil, suitable for construction work, but not suitable for enhancing soil fertility in a garden or in a country house. When buying soil, you need to pay attention to its color (it must be uniform, dark in color), it is a loose, crumbly substance that is not prone to caking. Pay attention to the presence of foreign odors and acidity. The level of acidity is checked with litmus strips.

Of course, the land in the summer cottage or in the garden needs enhanced nutrition. Sowing green manure, fertilizing with organic matter (humus, manure), adding fertile soil - all this helps to prevent complete depletion, maintain and increase productivity.

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