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340 Arrow-Puffin-4_Semester-1 Social9 Soils of IndiaUnderstand soil formationIdentify different soil typesExplore soil fertility factorsLearn about soil conservationDiscover how soil is used in agricultureLearning OutcomesWarm UpWhy is soil important?SoilThe uppermost layer of the Earth%u2019s surface is called soil. Soil is a mixture of mineral particles, rock sediments, water, air and humus. Formation of soil is a very slow process. It takes thousands of years to form a layer of soil. Soil is formed by weathering and gradation of rocks. Weatheringis the process in which rocks break into smaller pieces by natural factors like wind, moisture, heat, plants and animals. These sediments of rocks are carried to different places by natural agents like rivers, glaciers, wind and waves.The most important factor of soil is its fertility. Fertile soil is good for crops. The fertility of soil varies from place to place. Manure and fertilizers are added to the soil to make it fertile.Map of India showing types of soilDifferent types of soil can be found in different colours. Soil can be red, brown, black, yellow, or even white!Fact