While they may be used interchangeably, the difference between soil and dirt is quite vast.
Both substances play different roles in our garden.
In this article, we’ll outline the differences between soil and dirt, including the impact they have on cultivating healthy, productive plants.
What Is Soil?
Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic materials, water, and air that forms on the Earth’s surface by the erosion of rocks and decomposition of plant and animal remains.
Soil is a vital substance that is necessary for healthy plant growth and helps sustain thriving ecosystems.
What Is Soil Made Of?
To put it briefly, soil is composed of four main elements:
- Minerals: Dirt is classified under this category. These are inorganic materials that are the byproduct of eroded rocks.
- Organic Materials: This consists of the decomposed remains of plants and animals. Soil needs organic matter in order to provide nutrients, retain moisture, and provide drainage.
- Water: Soil contains water in varying quantities. Plants need moisture in order to absorb nutrients.
- Air: Spaces in between the soil particles hold air, which provides necessary aeration for the plant’s root system.
What Is Dirt?
In its essence, dirt is merely a subset of soil. It’s soil that has been broken down over a long period of time.
As a result, the soil loses its quality, fertility, and its ability to support healthy plant development.
How Is Dirt Made?
The dirt that you find in the wild is mostly comprised of three components: clay, sand, and silt.
As we’ve discussed previously, it is the result of soil that has been eroded over time.
Natural occurrences such as wind and rain can contribute to the removal of nutrients, leaving behind less fertile dirt.
However, it is not only nature that contributes to the creation of dirt.
Heavy human traffic, either by walking, or heavy machinery is a cause for dirt.
Furthermore, chemical pollution and improper land management can alter the chemical structure of the soil, leaving it deprived of its nutrients and diminishing its quality.
The Top 3 Differences Between Dirt And Soil
It is important to understand that dirt and soil are not the same thing.
While they may appear similar, their composition and ecological functions differentiate them.
Read on to learn more about the top three key distinctions between the two.
| Composition | Soil is a rich, fertile mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air. Whereas dirt is just a subset of soil. It is broken down inorganic material that is devoid of the fertility that soil has. |
| Fertility | Soil is a necessity for plant growth and development. All of its materials harmonize to create an environment that fosters strong, thriving plants. Dirt lacks the necessary components in order to sustain viable plant life. |
| Necessity in Ecosystem | Soil acts as a foundation for a variety of ecosystems. It provides habitats for many organisms, including plants, insects, bacteria, and fungi. Dirt on the other hand cannot support any of this due to its insufficient nutrients. |
How Does Soil Become Dirt?
Soil becomes dirt through a series of processes that deplete the vital nutrients and components that separate it from dirt.
Natural factors such as weather events (rainfall, wind, ice) gradually erode the fertile upper layer of soil.
Furthermore, human intervention, such as compaction from heavy machinery and urbanization leads to soil compaction.
Soil compaction can stifle air and water flow through the soil, further depleting its nutrients.
Other human factors include chemical contamination, in which pollution can strip the soil of its nutrient-rich layers. This will accelerate its transformation into dirt.
How To Turn Dirt Into Soil
With some patience, ordinary dirt can be transformed into healthy, fertile soil that provides the optimal conditions plants need to thrive and survive.
Here are the steps:
- Step 1. Add Organic Matter
This is the most straightforward and “quick” way to transform dirt into soil.
Examples of organic matter include compost, manure, or leaf mould. - Step 2. Till and Aerate
If the dirt is compacted, use tilling equipment (such as a garden fork) to poke holes in the dirt and loosen any compacted areas.
This will help add airflow to the dirt. - Step 3. Mulch
Apply a layer of organic mulch (look for wood chips, straw, or leaves) and place it on the surface of the dirt.
Mulch will help with moisture retention and act as a protective layer against outside forces that may slow down the transition from dirt to soil.
The time required to turn it into soil can vary based on the composition of the dirt and the climate conditions.
Overall, it can take roughly a few months to a year for dirt to transform into soil.
Conclusion
Recognizing the difference between soil and dirt can help lead us to healthier, stronger plants and a thriving garden.
In conclusion, the difference between these two substances lies within their composition.
FAQs
Related posts:
- Compacted Soil: Causes And Solutions
- Garden Soil Vs Potting Soil (Key Differences)
- Best Soil For Roses – Know Your Soil
- Planting Roses: A Step-by-Step Guide
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