Jordmån

Jordmån is a Swedish term used in soil science and land management to describe the soil in its functional sense as the material that supports plant growth and ecosystem processes. The concept is closely related to, but not identical with, soil texture, structure, and fertility. In practice, jordmån often refers to the upper, biologically active part of the soil, typically the horizons that influence crop growth, nutrient retention, moisture availability, and rooting depth. The precise definition can vary regionally, and in some contexts jordmån is used alongside terms such as jordart (soil type) and jordmånskarta (soil map).

In Nordic agronomy and environmental planning, assessment of jordmån informs agriculture, forestry, drainage, and land-use decisions. Properties commonly considered include texture, organic matter content, pH, moisture regime, and nutrient status, all of which influence fertility and resilience to drought or excessive wetness.

Data about jordmån are gathered through field profiling, soil sampling, and laboratory analysis, and are used in mapping, land evaluation, and farm management. The concept is also relevant to ecological studies, carbon storage, and habitat suitability because soil conditions govern plant communities and microbial activity.

See also: Soil horizon, Topsoil, Soil fertility, Pedology.