Question

chemical energy carbon dioxide and water. (ATP) heat Describe the function of soil. Discuss some biotic and abiotic factors related to soil that make plant life possible on this earth. :: d

Answer 1

Soil is the upper layer of earth surface that comprises of a mixture of organic matter, various minerals, gases and microorganisms that encourage the growth of the plant.

Functions of soil

1. Medium for plant growth: Contains minerals and nutrients that are essential for plant growth and development.

2. Anchoring roots and transportation: It act as the anchor due to the firmness of soil the plant is attached to the ground. Soil is also used in transportation of water and nutrients to the root of plants.

3. Biochemical or Nutrient Reactor: Soil has the property to absorbs, releases and transforms inorganic and biochemical compounds like the essential plant nutrients or pesticides or minerals, heavy metals etc.

4.  Hydrologic Buffer: It has the property of storage and have the water holding capacity and it also regulates the flow of water in the landscapes

5. Physical support: Soil provides the structural support to the plant  

Biotic and abiotic properties of soil

Both biotic and abiotic factors of soil have an effect on plant growth.

Abiotic properties: Abiotic properties of soil include the availability of nutrients and water tat the soil provides the plants for its development. The nutrients are essential for plant growth. The rich nutrients in the soil are absorbed by the plant root and are used for the biochemical process in the plants.

Biotic properties: The Biotic component in the soil is all the living organisms present in the soil. The soil has a large amount of habitat for microorganisms, as it provides nutrients to plant it also provides nutrients to microorganisms.  The micro-organisms have a vital role in biochemical transformations in the soil medium also the macro-organisms has affected the physical soil transformations. Soil microorganism contains mutualists and also antagonists that have both positive or negative effects on plant growth.