Have You Thanked A Clod Today? |ChemFam #49|

Greetings to everyone! When we think of the natural wonders that sustain life on earth, trees generally takes the center stage, famous for their beauty and contribution to the environment and their pivotal role in ecosystems. However, we often overlook the main partner - soil, which plays an important role in the existence of trees. Soil is the silent hero that lays the foundation for the growth and development of trees, and therefore of life itself. In this article, we shall be exploring the importance of soil and express our gratitude for its important contribution to our world.

People often asks the question: "Are you grateful for a green tree today?" This explains the photosynthesis of plants to produce the food on which we and most animals depend. A more important question is whether we are grateful for the soil – clods – where green plants live. Good soil, combined with fertile soil, good climate and abundant water, are the most valuable assets a country can have.

Much of the world does not have this heritage, and people living in areas with poor soil often suffer from malnutrition. Also, areas that once had rich soils are now so abused and degraded that they are useless. One of the biggest challenges facing green chemistry and work ecology practices is maintaining and improving soil fertility.

Defining the Term Soil

The term soil describes a variety of nutrients well dispersed with varying levels of organic matter and water that can support and nourish the roots of plants growing on it. Soil is mostly the product of the weathering of rocks by physical, chemical and biochemical processes and creates a favorable environment for plant growth.

Healthy soil has usable water for plants, has some loose structure with air spaces and supports the existence of life of various soil dwelling organisms in it, including bacteria and fungi which degrades dead plant biomass and animals such as earthworms. The solids in a normal soil contains about 95% inorganic matter, while some soils contain as much as 95% organic matter, while some sandy soils contain only 1% organic matter.

Understanding the Physical Structure of Soil

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The above figure shows the important physical structure of the soil. Soil is divided into layers, called horizons, formed by the action of water to infiltrate colloidal chemicals into the lower horizons, including the weathering of parent rock, chemical processes and biological processes.

The most important of these for plant growth is the topsoil. Plant roots penetrate the toposil and absorb water and nutrients from it. Topsoil is the most biologically active layer. The rhizosphere is that part of the soil where roots are particularly strong and high biomass consists of plant roots and their associated organisms. There is a strong synergistic relationship between plant roots and rhizosphere microbes.

The surfaces of the root hairs are mainly colonized by bacteria that thrive on carbohydrates, amino acids and root growth lubricant mucilage secreted by the roots.

The Vital Role of Soil:

Soil is not just the environment in which plants grow; but a dynamic ecosystem in itself. A combination of food, organic matter, water, and air, soil acts like a living organism, harboring the myriad of microbes, insects and parasites which are essential for its fertility. It acts as a food bank, giving trees the nutrients they need to grow and bear fruits, while also filtering and purifying the water content necessary for all living things.

1. Source of Nutruients:

Like all plants, trees are dependent on soil for their nutrients. Soil stores and releases important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients that are important for plant growth and development.
When trees absorb nutrients through their roots, they support their own health and contribute to a thriving ecosystem.

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2. Regulating Water:

Soil acts as a sponge, absorbing and storing water in the rainy season and slowly releasing it in the dry season. This process, known as water management or water regulation, helps prevent floods and droughts and provides a balanced and adequate supply of water for trees, plants, animals and human communities.

3.Carbon storage:

Soil, as a carbon sink, plays an important role in mitigating climate change. By storing too much carbon in the form of organic matter, it prevents it from being released into the atmosphere as harmful greenhouse gases. This carbon storage helps protect the climate and maintain a healthy environment.

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4. A Support System of Biodiversity:

The complex ecosystem of soil supports many organisms such as bacteria, fungi and worms. These little inhabitants perform important tasks such as breaking down organic matter, circulating and improving soil structure. In addition, soil biodiversity does not directly affect tree health and diversity, but creates a balanced and strong ecosystem.

Can't We Express Our Gratitude To The Soil?

While we take time to celebrate trees and their benefits, let's not forget the humble land that makes everything possible.

Let us embrace sustainable gardening and farming practices that nurture the soil rather than deplete it. This includes avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and embracing organic methods, such as composting and mulching, to enhance soil fertility.

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We should participate or support recycling programs. By planting trees, we help regenerate the soil because trees play an important role in preventing erosion and promoting soil stabilization.

Let's raise awareness about the importance of soil in sustaining life on Earth. By educating others about the critical role of soil, we can inspire more people to take action to protect and preserve this invaluable resource.

Conclusive thoughts

While trees indeed deserve our gratitude for their many contributions to our planet, let us not forget that they rely on the soil for their very existence. The soil serves as a nurturing companion to trees, providing them with essential nutrients, water, and support. As we express our gratitude to the trees, let us also extend our appreciation to the unsung hero, the soil, and work together to safeguard this vital resource for generations to come.

We shall meet again :)

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B I B L I O G R A P H Y

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Green Chemistry

Stanley E. Manahan

Libretexts

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PS The thumbnail image is being created by me using canva.com by using template image from Anna Zakrisson

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Thanks for stopping by :)