Which of the following is NOT one of the four major components of soil?

The response identifies minerals as not being one of the four major components of soil, but in fact, minerals are fundamentally one of those key components. Soil generally consists of four primary components: inorganic matter, organic matter, minerals, and water.

Inorganic matter includes the minerals that provide essential nutrients to plants and contribute to the soil's physical structure. Organic matter refers to decomposed plant and animal materials that enrich the soil, promoting microbial activity and providing nutrients. Water is critical as it supports plant life and various soil processes.

The correct answer is actually different, as all components provided — inorganic matter, organic matter, minerals, and water — are indeed essential parts of soil composition. It is important to understand that misunderstandings about the classification or roles of these components can lead to confusion.