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Soil is a natural resource that plays a vital role in the growth and development of plants.
It is useful in providing nutrients and water to the growing plants. Soil is comprised of physical,
chemical and biological properties that influence growth and development of plants
. These
properties vary from time to time depending on natural and human activities that take place. The
activity of growing crops requires soil of high quality to realize maximum yields. All soil
properties must be maintained at optimum levels to ensure consistent production of high yields
Soil physical properties include soil texture and structure. They influence various
processes that take place in the soil as well as affecting plant growth and development. For
instance, the processes of water percolation and infiltration are affected by soil texture and
structure. Aeration in the soil is also influenced by its compactness. When growing crops, it is
necessary to consider the water-holding capacity of the soil. This implies that crops should be
established on soils that have optimum water holding capacity suitable for that crop. Soils such
as sand and clay are not suitable for growing crops. Sandy soil loses water at a high rate leading
to a low level of water retention that is unsuitable for plant growth. Clay soil holds too much
water leading to waterlogging. The best soil to grow crops is the loamy soil because it has
optimum water holding capacity that is suitable for plant growth
Macdonald Hugh Burgess, Sustainable Cropping Systems for the Northern Great Plains:
Energetic and Economic Considerations (2012), 44
