Depending on the composition and depth of the soil it can support varying levels of air, water and nutrients . This, in turn, determines what plants and microorganisms will prosper in the environment. Soil in its natural environment will tend to form into distinct layers. The upper surface layer, or horizon , is composed of mostly organic matter . The bottom layer is the weathered parent material.
Farmers look to the soil to provide the necessary nutrients to grow their crops.
Many factors must be considered when a farmer plants a crop in the soil. The soil's structure, composition, water content, temperature and available plant nutrients will all be important considerations for the farmer. One goal of farming is to use the soil's nutrients to produce food crops to feed the population. Farming incorrectly, over time, will lower soil fertility and can also damage the soil structure. Land farmed this way is more susceptible to water and wind erosion.