Question

List out the important edaphic factors which affect vegetation in an area.

Answer 1

1. Soil moisture: Plants absorb water from the soil. Some plants absorb moisture from the atmosphere.
2. Soil water: The distribution of plants greatly depends on the soil water. The main source of soil water is rain. In soil, water is held between pore spaces of soil particles and angles between them and this forms the most important form of water available to the plants for absorption.
3. Soil reactions: The availability of soil nutrients mainly depend on the pH of the soil. Soil may be acidic, alkaline, or neutral in its reaction. The pH range of 5.5 to 6.8 is ideal for the cultivation of crop plants.
4. Soil nutrients: All essential plant nutrients such as mineral and organic nutrients in the form of ions decide the fertility of the soil, which determines the plant growth and vegetation.
5. Soil temperature: As low temperature reduces the use of water and solute absorption by roots, the geographical distribution of plants is mainly decided by soil temperature.
6. Soil atmosphere: The spaces between soil particles are occupied by oxygen and carbon-di-oxide. This forms soil aeration or soil atmosphere.
7. Soil Organisms: Many organisms like bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoans, nematodes, insects, earthworms, etc., are present in the soil. They are responsible for making the soil suitable for plant growth.