Edaphology (from Greek ἔδαφος, edaphos 'ground' + -λογία, -logia) is concerned with the influence of soils on living beings, particularly plants.
The history of edaphology is not simple, as the two main alternative terms for soil science—pedology and edaphology—were initially poorly distinguished.
During the 20th century, the term edaphology was "driven out of [pedology-centric] soil science" but remained in use to address edaphic problems in other disciplines.
Jan Baptist van Helmont (1577–1644) performed a famous experiment, growing a willow tree in a pot of soil and supplying only rainwater for five years.
It also studies soil in the context of land-use planning, global warming, and acid rain.
[19] Changes in agricultural practices, such as monocropping and tilling, as a result of industrialization have also impacted aspects of edaphology.
These microorganisms help maintain soil moisture and air circulation which are critical to plant growth.