Meaning of “soil” to different professionals: Which set of definitions correctly matches how agriculturists, geologists, and engineers view “soil” in their disciplines?

Introduction / Context:
Definitions of “soil” vary across disciplines because objectives differ: agriculture focuses on fertility, geology on origin and stratification, and engineering on behavior under load. Recognizing these perspectives prevents confusion when reading multidisciplinary reports.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Agronomy emphasizes plant support and nutrient cycling.
• Geology emphasizes origin and classification of Earth materials.
• Geotechnical engineering emphasizes mechanical behavior of particulates.

Concept / Approach:
All three statements are standard: for the agriculturist, soil is the growth medium; for the geologist, rock versus soil depends on surficial weathering and root penetration; for the engineer, soil is an assemblage of particles behaving as a particulate mass without cementation, vital for foundations and earthworks.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Introductory texts in soil science, geology, and geotechnical engineering closely mirror these definitions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Picking only one ignores the context-dependent nature of definitions.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming one discipline’s definition is universally applicable; overlooking that engineering “soil” can include fills and anthropogenic materials.

Final Answer:
All of the above