Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Soil Science

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Soil Science 1. Soil vs. Dirt Often used interchangeably, soil and dirt have distinct meanings. Soil refers to the natural, nutrient-rich upper layer of the Earth's surface, while dirt is simply any dislodged material. So, the next time you're gardening, remember, you're working with soil, not dirt. 2. Erosion vs. Weathering While erosion and weathering both involve the breakdown of rocks, they differ in the process. Weathering is the gradual disintegration of rocks due to various factors, such as temperature changes. On the other hand, erosion is the transportation of these weathered particles by agents like wind or water. 3. Humus vs. Compost Humus and compost are often confused, but they have different origins. Humus is the organic matter formed naturally through decomposition, while compost is the deliberate human-made mixture of organic waste. Both are beneficial for soil fertility, but they have distinct sources. 4. Loam vs. Clay Loam and clay are soil textures, but they differ in their composition. Loam is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, making it ideal for plant growth. Clay, on the other hand, has fine particles that can retain water but may become compacted, affecting drainage. 5. pH vs. Acidity