Soil is a complex, naturally occurring, heterogeneous body that serves as the foundational medium for terrestrial life. It is composed of four primary components: mineral particles (such as sand, silt, and clay), pore spaces filled with air and water, and organic matter, which results from the decomposition of once-living organisms. The formation of soil is a gradual process called pedogenesis, dictated by the interaction of parent material, climate, topography, time, and biota. Soil structure is critical because it governs essential biogeochemical cycles, including the cycling of nutrients and gases. These physical and chemical properties determine the soil's capacity for water retention, aeration, and its ability to anchor plant roots and support microbial biodiversity.