Tanah

Tanah is the Malay and Indonesian word for soil or land. In everyday language it refers to the surface material that covers the Earth's crust as well as a parcel of ground. In geology and soil science, tanah denotes the natural medium that supports plant life and mediates nutrient and water cycles, typically composed of mineral particles, organic matter, air, and water, with living organisms integrated through soil ecosystems.

Tanah forms through weathering of parent rock and biological processes, influenced by climate, topography, organisms, and time. Its texture ranges from sandy to clayey and affects drainage, water retention, and fertility. pH and nutrient status influence plant growth; soils are classified by texture, structure, horizon development, and drainage characteristics.

Humans rely on tanah for food production, forestry, and settlement. Agricultural practices depend on soil fertility and moisture, but improper management can cause erosion, compaction, salinization, and pollution. Sustainable management includes crop rotation, organic matter addition, cover crops, terracing, and appropriate drainage and irrigation.

Tanah also appears in phrases such as tanah air (homeland) and tanah adat (customary land) in some communities, reflecting land's social and political significance and its role in identity and governance.