The Marvel that is Soil

Only about half the volume of soil is solid mineral matter, the other half is mostly pore space that allows for water and air storage. It is the smallest fraction, the 5% or so that comprises the soil organic matter (SOM), that transforms this inorganic medium into a living ecosystem.

The interactions between SOM and soil minerals not only stabilises soil humus against decomposition, but introduces a whole range of organic chemical reactions as well as providing sites for biological action and physical sites for water storage.

We rely on soils to undertake a range of critical tasks essential to life on land. They cycle and retain nutrients, store and filter water and gases, break down toxins and wastes and of course provide the foundation and physical space for plants and organisms to live in.

Typical Soil Profile