mineraljords

Mineraljord, or mineral soil, is a category of soil in which the majority of the soil mass is mineral matter derived from weathered rock, with relatively little organic material. It contrasts with organic soils, such as peat, where organic matter dominates the upper horizons. Mineral jord can support a wide range of plant life and is the most common soil type in many regions.

Mineral soils form through pedogenic processes driven by climate, organisms, relief, parent material, and time. They often develop a sequence of horizons: an organic litter layer on top (the O horizon, if present), a top mineral horizon (A) that mixes minerals with some organic matter, a leached layer (E) in some soils, a subsoil horizon (B) enriched by illuviation of clay and oxides, and a weathered or relatively unaltered bottom horizon (C). The exact profile varies with climate and geology. Soil drainage, texture (sand, silt, clay), and mineralogy influence structure and fertility.

Properties of mineral soils are diverse. Texture affects water retention and aeration; mineralogy controls nutrient availability and pH; the organic matter content, even when modest, improves aggregation and fertility. Management considerations include maintaining organic matter, ensuring proper drainage, and adjusting pH to suit crops or native vegetation.

Mineral soils cover large areas worldwide and underlie most agricultural land. Their use and value depend on local climate, parent material, and land management practices, which determine fertility, drainage, and resilience to erosion or drought.