earth-sciences

Soil Science & Pedology

The study of soil as a living system — USDA texture classification, water percolation through porous media, nutrient cycling between organic matter and plants, mechanical compaction under load, and erosion by water and wind across terrain.

soil sciencepedologysoil classificationpercolationnutrient cyclesoil compactionerosionagriculture

Soil science — pedology — studies the thin living skin of Earth that supports nearly all terrestrial life. Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and billions of organisms per gram. Understanding its physical and chemical properties is critical for agriculture, civil engineering, environmental remediation, and climate science.

These simulations let you classify soils by particle-size distribution, model water infiltration and percolation rates, trace nutrient cycling through decomposition and uptake, predict compaction under mechanical loads, and visualize erosion patterns across sloped terrain — all with interactive, physically grounded models.

5 interactive simulations

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Soil Compaction Under Mechanical Load

Model how applied pressure compacts soil — visualize pore space collapse, bulk density increase, and the Proctor compaction curve at varying moisture contents

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Soil Erosion by Water (USLE Model)

Calculate annual soil loss using the Universal Soil Loss Equation — visualize how rainfall, slope, soil type, cover, and conservation practices interact to drive erosion

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Soil Nutrient Cycle & Decomposition

Model the nitrogen and carbon cycles in soil — trace how organic matter decomposes, minerals are released, plants absorb nutrients, and microbes drive the whole system

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Water Percolation & Infiltration Rate

Model water infiltration through soil layers — visualize the wetting front advancing through porous media with Darcy's law and the Green-Ampt model

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Soil Texture Classification (USDA Triangle)

Plot sand, silt, and clay percentages on the USDA texture triangle — instantly classify soil type and estimate hydraulic properties