Kivennäismaan

Kivennäismaan, also known as mineral soil, is a broad category of soil that is primarily composed of inorganic mineral particles. These particles are derived from the weathering and erosion of rocks. The size of these mineral particles dictates the texture of the soil, ranging from sand, which has large particles, to silt, with medium particles, and clay, which has the smallest particles.

The composition of mineral soil varies greatly depending on the parent material from which it formed and the geological history of the area. Common mineral components include quartz, feldspar, and mica. Organic matter content in mineral soils can range from very low to significant, but the defining characteristic is the dominance of mineral particles.

Mineral soils are crucial for agriculture and ecosystems. Their structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability are largely determined by the proportion of sand, silt, and clay, as well as the presence of organic matter. Different types of mineral soils support a wide variety of plant life and are essential for supporting terrestrial biodiversity. Understanding the properties of kivennäismaa is fundamental to soil science, agriculture, and environmental management.