Which one of the following is the largest component of the soil system

Which one of the following is the largest component of the soil system ?

Living organisms
Mineral matters
Soil solution
Soil organic matter
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2018
The correct option is B) Mineral matters.
In a typical mineral soil composition by volume, mineral particles (sand, silt, clay) constitute the largest proportion, usually around 45-50%. Soil solution (water) and soil air each occupy roughly 20-30% of the volume, depending on moisture content. Soil organic matter makes up a much smaller percentage, typically around 5% or less in mineral soils, while living organisms are present in very small quantities compared to the total volume.
The relative proportions of these components can vary greatly depending on the soil type, location, and conditions, but mineral matter is generally the dominant component in terms of volume and mass.
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