About Soil Minerals

Soil minerals are the major potential sites for storage of nutrients and maintaining the soil fertility. Soil mineral material that imparts the texture to soil is sand, silt and clay. The water and nutrient holding capacity of soils depend on the percentage of sand, silt and clay. In addition, the organic layer of soil is constituted by the leaves and other organic materials. Improper absorption of minerals (Nitrates, Phosphates, Potassium and Magnesium) by plant roots results in decrease of chlorophyll content, photosynthesis and respiration in plants.