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In this lesson we are going top discuss about the significance of soils

Answer Text:
Significance of Soils
a) Gives physical support for the rooting system of plants and protects root system from damage.
b) Habitat for burrowing animals and bacteria necessary for breakdown of organic matter into humus.
c) Medium through which nutrients and air are made available to plants.
d) Provides mineral elements to plants e.g. nitrogen, calcium, phosphates, etc.
e) Is used in building and construction e.g. clay for making bricks and tiles.
f) Clay soil is used in ceramics such as making pots.
g) Some soils are used for decorative purpose e.g. ache used among Maasai.
h) Source of minerals especially to expectant mothers.
i) Soil contains valuable mineral elements such as alluvial gold.
j) Soil supports plant life which is a source of food for people and animals especially herbivores.
k) Soils are used for medicinal purposes e.g. clay is mixed with some herbs for medical purpose in some communities.

Significance of Soil on Plant Growth
Characteristics and properties of a particular soil influences plant growth and distribution.
PH
- High PH values favours growth of particular crops e.g. tea requires fairly acidic soils.
Drainage
- Water logged soils allow growth of particular plants like papyrus, tree swamps and mangrove on poorly drained saline soils.
Depth
- Deep soils support deep rooted plants e.g. large trees while shallow soils favour shallow rooted plants with
spreading root system e.g. grasses.
Moisture content
- Soils deficient of moisture support drought resistant plants.
Temperature
- There are stunted plants on cold soils and heath and moors
on upper levels of mountains.
Aeration
- Poor aeration retards the growth of plants and impairs the roots ability to absorb water and nutrients.
Mineral composition
- Mineral deficiency in the soil causes retardation.