Soil Science

Soil science is the study of soil as a natural resource on the surface of the Earth, encompassing its formation, classification, and mapping, as well as its physical, chemical, and biological properties. As a critical component of the Earth's ecosystem, this discipline investigates the role of soil in supporting plant life, filtering water, cycling nutrients, and providing a habitat for countless organisms. Soil scientists apply this knowledge to the sustainable management and conservation of soil resources for agriculture, forestry, and environmental health, addressing issues like erosion, fertility, and contamination.

1. Introduction to Soil Science
   1. Defining Soil
      1. Scientific Definitions
      2. Functional Definitions
      3. Soil as a Natural Body
      4. Components of Soil
         1. Mineral Fraction
            1. Primary Minerals
            2. Secondary Minerals
         2. Organic Matter
            1. Living Organisms
            2. Decomposed Residues
         3. Soil Water
            1. Forms of Water in Soil
            2. Soil Solution
         4. Soil Air
            1. Composition of Soil Air
            2. Gas Exchange in Soil
   2. The Importance of Soil
      1. Functions of Soil in Ecosystems
         1. Medium for Plant Growth
            1. Root Anchorage
            2. Water Supply to Plants
            3. Nutrient Supply to Plants
            4. Oxygen Supply to Roots
         2. Water Supply and Purification
            1. Water Infiltration
            2. Water Storage
            3. Filtration of Pollutants
         3. Habitat for Soil Organisms
            1. Biodiversity in Soil
            2. Food Web Interactions
         4. Nutrient Cycling
            1. Decomposition of Organic Matter
            2. Mineralization and Immobilization
         5. Engineering Medium
            1. Foundation for Structures
            2. Road and Dam Construction
   3. History of Soil Science
      1. Early Concepts of Soil
         1. Ancient Agricultural Practices
         2. Early Soil Classification
      2. Emergence as a Scientific Discipline
         1. 19th Century Developments
         2. Soil as a Natural Body Concept
      3. Key Historical Figures
         1. Vasily Dokuchaev
         2. Curtis F. Marbut
         3. Hans Jenny
   4. Branches of Soil Science
      1. Pedology
         1. Soil Genesis
         2. Soil Morphology
         3. Soil Classification
      2. Edaphology
         1. Soil-Plant Relationships
         2. Soil Management for Agriculture
         3. Soil and Environmental Health