Composition and Structure of Soil Minerals

The major mineral groups commonly found in soil include (1) aluminosilicates, (2) oxides, and (3) organic matter. Through their surface electrochemical properties, these soil minerals control adsorption, transformation, and release behavior of chemical constituents (e.g., nutrients and contaminants) to water or soil solution. Soil-surface electrochemical properties vary between soil types and depend on factors such as parent material, climate, and vegetation (Table 3.1). Generally, the overall makeup of soil is (Fig. 3.1) 

Inorganic mineral matter (defined as soil material made up mostly of oxygen, silicon, and aluminum—many other metals in small quantities may be included) 

Solutes (refers to the portion of soil composed of water and mostly dissolved salts (plant nutrients) 

Air (refers to the gaseous portion of soil composed of the same gases found in the atmosphere (oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide) but in different proportions) 

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