Definition of Soil.

The word 'soil' is derived from the latin word solium which, according to Webster's dictionary, means the upper layer of the earth that may be dug or plowed; specifically, the loose surface material of the earth in which plants grow. The above definition of the soil is used in the field of agronomy where the main concern in the use of soil for raising crops. In geology, earth's crust is assumed to consist of unconsolidated sediments, called mantle or regolith, overlying rocks. The terms 'Soil' is used for the upper layer of mantle which can support plants.
The term 'soil' in soil engineering is defined as an unconsolidated material, composed of solid particles, produced by the disintegration of rock. The void space between the particles may contain air, water or both. The solid particles may contains organic matter. the soil particles can be separated by such mechanical means as agitation water.

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