General Information on Plant Production
The Biotope Soil
The Soil is formed
Over many thousands of years, bare rocks and screes change into fertile soil. Under the influence of heat and cold, wind and water, the so-called parent rock is slowly weathered into sand, silt and clay. The type of this parent rock has a major influence on the soil characteristics. Dead plants and animals decay and become valuable humus. Soil edaphon, in turn, connect this humus with sand and clay particles, thus creating crumbly, fertile soil.
The Minerals of the Soil
The soil consists of the minerals stone, sand, silt and clay. According to their proportions, the soil is called light (high proportion of sand) or heavy (high proportion of clay). Propitious soils are medium-heavy, i.e. they have a favourable ratio of sand, silt and clay.
Humus Gives Life
Humus is the organic component of the soil. Humus is formed when the soil edaphon decompose dead biomass. In agriculturally utilised soils, humus generally does not account for more than a small percentage. Despite this fact, it is extremely important for the fertility of the soil since it contains essential plant nutrients, and can store water and nutrients.
