Soil Minerals Types
Soil minerals are of two types: Primary minerals and secondary minerals.
Primary Minerals of Soil
These minerals have not undergone any alteration since their deposition. They are similar to their parent material. Often these materials are bigger in size and irregular in shape. These primary minerals are usually found in sand and silt. Primary minerals get formed at elevated temperatures on account of cooling magma during the original solidification of rock or during metamorphism. They are usually derived from igneous and metamorphic rocks in soil.
In most soils feldspars, micas, and quartz are the main primary mineral constituents. Other examples of the primary minerals in soil include silica minerals and silicates, titanomagnetite, apatite, iron minerals, volcanic gases and non-crystalline inorganic constituents.
Secondary Minerals of Soil
They are formed as a result of weathering of the primary minerals. Secondary minerals are mainly found in fine silt or clay. The particle size of these minerals is much smaller due to the weathering process. These minerals have a large surface area that helps them retain moisture. Some examples of secondary minerals in the soil are hydroxides, phyllosilicates, oxides, carbonates, phosphates, sulfates and halides. Their addition to farmland is beneficial.
Mineral Riches in the Soil
Soil minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic substances found in soil, such as sand, clay, and various metal oxides. Minerals in the soil are essential for plant growth and soil fertility. The outermost layer of the earth, known as crust, is covered with a mixture of organic and inorganic material called soil.
Soil serves as a medium for the growth of plants as it is rich in minerals and useful living organisms. The mineral composition of the soil is about 45-50%, organic matter constitutes about 1-5% of it whereas the remaining space is filled with air and water. Soil minerals examples include quartz, feldspar, mica, iron oxides, and calcium carbonate. In this article, we will cover minerals in the soil, their types, uses, and more.
Table of Content
- What is Soil?
- Soil Minerals
- How Minerals Form in Soil?
- Soil Minerals Types
- Minerals Present in Soil
- Soil Minerals and Their Uses
- Conclusion – Soil Minerals
- FAQs on Soil Minerals
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