What is the major component of soil that comprises nearly half of its total volume?

The major component of soil that comprises nearly half of its total volume is inorganic material. Inorganic materials include minerals derived from rocks and other geological processes, which form the solid framework of soil. These minerals play a crucial role in soil's structure, fertility, and overall function. They provide essential nutrients to plants, influence water retention, and affect the soil's pH, which is vital for healthy plant growth.

While organic material, water, and air are important components of soil, they do not constitute the largest volume. Organic material, which includes decomposed plant and animal matter, contributes to soil fertility but typically makes up a smaller fraction of the total volume. Water and air are also critical for soil health, providing necessary moisture and aeration, but they occupy space in the soil that is not solid; therefore, they cannot match the volume of inorganic material. Thus, inorganic materials are fundamental to the composition and functionality of soil, underscoring their primary role in determining its characteristics.