The measure of good soil is "soil organic matter," which can accumulate to optimal levels in 10-20 years, if you organize to optimize plants and rainfall
Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, living organisms, water and air. The minerals (about 50 per cent of soil) are particles of weathered rock, which include tiny grains of clay and silt as well as larger sand particles. The living organisms include fungi, bacteria and insects, and the organic matter incorporates dead plants and microbes, plus other animals in various stages of decomposition. The final product of decomposition is a dark, organic material called humus, which contains relatively high amounts of nitrogen – a nutrient that’s vital to plant health. So yes soil is largely weathered rock!
Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, living organisms, water and air. The minerals (about 50 per cent of soil) are particles of weathered rock, which include tiny grains of clay and silt as well as larger sand particles. The living organisms include fungi, bacteria and insects, and the organic matter incorporates dead plants and microbes, plus other animals in various stages of decomposition. The final product of decomposition is a dark, organic material called humus, which contains relatively high amounts of nitrogen – a nutrient that’s vital to plant health. So yes soil is largely weathered rock!
This is a skilled description of soil and the processes that create it. Very helpful. Thanks.