Soil types in agriculture: characteristics and classification

One of the most important factors in agriculture is the soil type. All floors are not the same, not even all are suitable for it culture.

For this reason, it is important to know the soil because the correct growth of the plants will depend on it. Knowing the characteristics and type of soil is essential to know which crop will be the most suitable.

The types of soil can be classified taking into account some characteristics. Some of these variables are: texture, structure, pH level, porosity and permeability.

? Texture: Texture is the proportion of particles that are present in the soil. Depending on the size of these particles we can distinguish different types:

 

✅ Stony, highlighting rocky fragments.

✅ Sandy, with sand particles.

✅ Silty, where mud predominates.

✅ Clayey, mainly clay.

 

The soil texture can be one of these types or a combination of several.

 

? Modular: The structure is the composition of the types of particles. We can also distinguish different types based on the shape of the particles:

 

✅ Laminate, due to its laminated shape.

✅ Prismatic, shaped like a prism.

✅ Blocky, characterized by having the shape of blocks.

✅ Granular, which is in the form of granules.

✅ Spheroidal, since it has a rounded shape.

 

? PH level: The pH level is also a determining factor and it will provide us with very valuable information about the state of the soil. The pH level directly influences the crops that grow in it. Its growth depends on the pH level, since each type of crop has an optimal level and cannot be developed in another field that has a different range.

 

? Porosity: With porosity refers to the amount of air spaces (or pores) located between all the particles that make up the soil. This makes it possible to aerate the soil. In addition, it is a determining factor because it contributes to the retention of the amount of water necessary for the correct growth of crops.

 

? Permeability: It is the characteristic of the soil that makes it possible for liquids to flow through it. The level of permeability depends on the size of the pores and the connection between them. Therefore, a terrain in which small pores predominate would have low permeability because the water will circulate more slowly.

 

When cultivated, the proportions will be modified, especially in the most superficial layer. This must provide the crop with all the nutrients necessary for its proper growth.

The most important thing is that there is a certain balance between all the determining factors. If there is an excess or deficit of water, it will prevent the crops from growing properly.

 

What types of soils exist?

Soil types can also be classified on the basis of their structure. Next, we explain the main characteristics of the types that exist.

 

1️⃣ Sandy soils

Sandy soils are characterized by being composed of larger particles than other soils. They have a dry and rough appearance.

This type of soil is not the most suitable for agriculture because it does not retain nutrients and the water drains very quickly.

 

2️⃣ Limestone soils

Limestone soils are characterized by being arid and very dry soils. In addition, they do not retain water or nutrients long enough for crops to grow properly.

There are few types of crops that can survive in this type of soil. Some of them are almond and fig trees.

 

3️⃣ Silty soils

Unlike in the previous case, silty soils do retain water and nutrients for longer. This type of soil is composed of a mixture of fine sand and clay, so it looks dark brown.

Silty soils contain a high level of nutrient and moisture retention, which makes it possible for certain crops to develop properly. Some types of plants such as holm oaks or willows usually develop in them.

 

4️⃣ Humid soils

Black earth or humid soils are beneficial for sowing. They are very fertile lands because they are composed of microorganisms that retain nutrients and moisture. For this reason, its appearance has a dark color.

 

5️⃣ Clay soils

Clay soils have a yellowish appearance, since they contain almost half of their composition in clay. They are quite fertile soils, keeping moisture and nutrients. However, its low porosity makes it difficult to handle, and the roots often do not have sufficient aeration and can rot.

In clay soils you can plant those plants that have roots that tend to go into deep areas such as aeration. Some examples of this are walnut and ash.

 

6️⃣ Stony soils

Stony soils are a type of soil that is characterized by having land formations. This type of flooring is semi-waterproof and does not allow the entry of water. Therefore, they are difficult to cultivate soils.

7️⃣ Peat soils

Peat soil is characterized by being dark brown, sometimes almost black. They have a smooth texture and are high in nutrients and water. They have a great capacity to retain water in the driest and hottest months of the year. In addition, they have the ability to protect the roots from low temperatures in the cold months.

 

8️⃣ Saline soils

Saline soils are typical of dry climates. Their high salinity characteristics make them unsuitable soils for agriculture. However, there are some types of plants that do grow in this type of soil, such as cypress or mulberry.

 

Any questions or queries you have about the different types of soil, you can request information at Mundoriego by entering our section CONTACT, and if you are looking for more we are also specialists in pool dispenser, accessories for outdoor pools, swimming pool lighting, irrigation online store.