How can soil be classified?

Soil classification can indeed be effectively categorized into organic and mineral components, which is fundamental in understanding soil properties and behavior. Organic soils consist primarily of decomposed plant and animal material, contributing vital nutrients and enhancing soil structure, while mineral soils are mainly composed of inorganic materials such as sand, silt, clay, and various minerals derived from the weathering of rocks.

Recognizing these two categories helps in various applications, such as agriculture, landscaping, and environmental conservation. Organic soils generally retain moisture better and have higher nutrient levels, making them particularly valuable for plant growth. In contrast, mineral soils are often the product of geological processes and can affect drainage and aeration properties.

Other classification methods, like those based on pH, texture, or chemical composition, are useful but are subsets or descriptors of the broader categories of organic and mineral soils. These attributes can influence factors such as fertility and physical characteristics but do not fundamentally alter the classification into those two major soil types.