Edaphic Factors Affecting Agricultural Production

Topic Content:

The edaphic factors refer to the soil properties such as soil texture, soil profile, soil pH, salinitySalinity is the dissolved salt content of a body of water called saline water. It is the measure of the number of grams of salts per kilogram of seawater, which is... More, soil types, soil structure and soil fertility, that affect the variety of microorganisms and plants growing in a particular soil environment.

1. Soil pH:

pH means Pondus de Hydrolium, it’s the degree of soil alkalinity and acidity. The pH range is 0 (extremely acidic) to 14 (extremely alkaline) with 7 being neutral.

Effects of Soil pH on Agricultural Production:

a. Causes toxicity to plants and animals in the soil.

b. Affects the presence of soil micro-organismsMicrobes are organisms that are too small to be seen without using a microscope. They include organisms like bacteria, archaea, and single-cell eukaryotes (organisms whose cells have a nucleus e.g. amoeba... More.

c. Affects the growth of plants.

d. Affects the availability of soil nutrients to plants.

2. Soil Texture:

Effects of Soil Texture on Agricultural Production:

a. Affects the level of leaching and erosion.

b. Determines the types of soil in an area.

c. Determines the type of crop to be grown.

d. Determines the level of soil fertility.

3. Soil Structure:

Effects of Soil Structure on Agricultural Production:

a. Determines the level of soil organisms.

b. Determines the level of soil aerationSoil aeration is the mechanism of exchange of gases between the atmosphere and soil. It involves perforating the land with small holes for air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass... More.

c. Determines the water-retaining capacity of the soil.