Edaphology is the scientific study of soil, which includes its physical and chemical properties, its biological composition, and the ways in which it is affected by human activity. It is a branch of soil science that focuses on the interactions between soil and living organisms, as well as the effects of human activities on soil. Edaphology also examines the role of soil in the environment, such as its ability to store and release nutrients, its capacity to filter pollutants, and its contribution to climate change.