The soil meets several requirements for the growth of agricultural crops. It
provides an environment in which seeds can germinate. It is the medium into
which roots grow both to anchor the plant and to gain access to water and
nutrients. It stores water and nutrients and accommodates their movement to
plant roots. It accommodates movement of oxygen to plant roots and carbon
dioxide from roots. To perform these functions without limiting yield, the soil
must be able to absorb and store adequate plant-available water, allow adequate
air movement to the roots, and not restrict seed germination, seedling emergence,
and root growth
