ИСТИНА

An attempt is presented to scientifically understand the content and properties of large-scale produced composts, peat soils, soil-grounds, “artificial soils” and other industrially produced “soil-like masses” that are used for growing agricultural products and for decorative purposes. The traditional characteristics of natural soil and the new, modern scientific characteristics and functional abilities of natural soil, which will fundamentally distinguish natural soils and industrially produced “soil-like masses,” are briefly reviewed. The fundamental difference between natural soils and “soil-like masses” is in the biological content and functional abilities of natural soils. “Soil-like masses” do not have the full biological content and functional capabilities that are inherent in natural healthy soils or can only imitate the functions of natural soils.