https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.15036
Naturally occurring, unconsolidated mineral and (or) organic material at the surface of the Earth that is capable of supporting plant growth. It extends from the surface to \(\pu{15 cm}\) below the depth at which properties produced by soil-forming processes can be detected.
Notes:
- Soil formation results from an interaction between climate, living organisms, and surface relief acting on soil parent material.
- Unconsolidated material includes material cemented or compacted by soil-forming processes. Soil may have water covering its surface to a depth of \(\pu{60 cm}\) (or less in the driest part of the year).