Soil

The word “soil” is used to describe that portion of the earth’s crust (surface) that can be separated into individual particles. Soils consist of solid particles of weathered rock and reflect the chemical and physical properties of the parent material.

In some instances, the properties of soil are further modified when they are exposed to:

• Weather

• Temperature

• Biological activity

• Moisture

If the soils located in a particular place resemble the parent material, they are referred to as residual soil. For most of areas of the Canadian Shield however, the soils encountered are considered transported soils. The most common cause of transported soil is the ice age, but wind and water also redistribute soil as do modern development practices of man.

 

Aside from forming the basis of modern infrastructure (roads, fields, etc), soil serves many useful purposes. The nutrient capabilities of soil allow the harvesting of crops and vegetables. The biological activity of soil contributes to treatment and purification of contaminants. For more information on these properties, please see the Nutrient Management Page or the Sewage Systems Page.