Soil science is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses geology, ecology, microbiology, and chemistry. Soils are composed of inorganic mineral particles (sand, silt, and clay), organic matter (dead plants and animals), water, and air. The physical and chemical properties of soil govern nutrient cycling, water retention, and soil erosion. Soil formation is influenced by factors such as climate, parent material, topography, and biological activity. Soil classification systems help to group soils based on their properties and to identify areas with similar pedogenesis and land-use potential.