In agriculture, soil type usually refers to the different sizes of mineral particles in a particular sample. Soil is made up in part of finely ground rock particles, grouped according to size as sand, silt, and clay. Each size plays a significantly different role. For example, the largest particles, sand, determine aeration and drainage characteristics, while the tiniest, sub-microscopic clay particles, are chemically active, binding with water and plantnutrients. The ratio of these sizes determines soil type: clay, loam, clay-loam, silt-loam, and so on.
However, ""soil type"" in the broader sense refers to a pedological classification of the natural (or human-influenced) soil. Then it is more correct to speak of "soil class".
There are many recognized soil classifications, both international and national.
Soil is made up of finely ground rock particles, that are generally grouped according to size as sand, silt, and clay.
The soiltype with the largest particles, sand, determines aeration and drainage characteristics, while the tiniest, sub-microscopic clay particles, are actually chemically active and binds the water and plantnutrients.
Soil survey, or soil mapping, is the process of determining the soiltypes or other properties of the soil cover over a landscape, and mapping them for others to understand and use.
Soil acidification is accelerated by the use of acid-forming nitrogenous fertilizers and by the effects of acid precipitation.
Soil salination is the accumulation of free salts to such an extent that it leads to degradation of soils and vegetation.
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