Soil Chemistry and Physics Overview

Questions and Answers

What percentage of soil is composed of organic matter?

5% (correct)

45%

25%

10%

Which of the following best describes the function of soil organic matter?

Acts only as a water carrier

Decreases the nutrient holding capacity of soil

Increases soil's compactness and reduces aeration

Promotes the granulation of minerals (correct)

Which type of particle is classified as small-sized in soil composition?

Clay (correct)

Silt

Gravel

Sand

What is the role of the liquid phase in soil?

Acts as a universal solvent and nutrient carrier Signup and view all the answers

What component makes up the largest percentage of soil?

Mineral matter Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of soil physics?

Physical properties of soils related to plant growth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes soil conservation and management?

Controlling soil deterioration and improving fertility Signup and view all the answers

What does soil chemistry primarily deal with?

Chemical composition and reactions within soils Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT part of soil classification and survey?

Mechanics of soil behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an emphasis of soil geology?

Study of common soil forming rocks and minerals Signup and view all the answers

What role does soil play in relation to plant growth?

Affects water storage, nutrient supply, and plant growth Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of soil fertility studies?

Assessing soil’s capacity to supply nutrient elements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT studied within soil science?

Soil microbial genetics Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consideration in land use management?

Allocation of land for agriculture and other purposes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes does soil physics analyze?

Measurement and analysis of physical properties Signup and view all the answers

What consequence of the Agricultural Revolution led to a population increase?

Increased agricultural productivity Signup and view all the answers

Which area of soil science is most concerned with the ecological aspects of soil?

Soil microbiology Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Philippines' total area is covered by prime agricultural lands?

30 million hectares Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant impact of increasing population on Philippine soils?

Sequestration of prime agricultural lands for urban use Signup and view all the answers

Which scientific approach involves the study of biochemical activities of soil microbes?

Soil microbiology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices can aid in the mitigation of climate change through soil health management?

Innovations in sustainable agriculture Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of edaphology?

The influence of soils on living organisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of soil?

Acting as a barrier to water filtration Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage of mineral matter in an ideal soil composition?

45% Signup and view all the answers

Which component comprises the largest portion of the solid phase in soil?

Mineral matter Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'parent material' in soil science?

The original material from which soil forms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is one of the major components of soil?

Organic matter Signup and view all the answers

How deep does the Earth's crust typically extend to?

16 kilometers Signup and view all the answers

Which systems dominate the composition of the Earth's crust?

Silicate and oxide systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary gas found in higher concentrations in soil air compared to atmospheric air?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes mineral and organic soil?

Organic soil contains at least 20% organic carbon, while mineral soil contains less than 20%. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the gaseous phase in soil vital for plant and microbial life?

It allows for soil respiration and oxygen exchange. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of soil air compared to atmospheric air?

Soil air has a higher moisture content. Signup and view all the answers

What components can be found in soil air besides nitrogen and oxygen?

Carbon dioxide and traces of ammonia. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Soil Chemistry

Studies soil composition, physico-chemical properties, and reactions, including ionic equilibria in submerged soils.
Analyzes the chemical constitution, properties, and processes occurring within soils.
Characterizes nutrient reactions in soil and soil solution.

Soil Physics

Examines physical properties of soils relevant to plant growth and analyzes their measurement.
Investigates mechanical behavior of soils and physical forces affecting soil properties.
Focuses on the state and transport of matter (water and energy) in soil.
Describes soil properties influenced by physical forces mathematically.

Soil Classification and Survey

Involves studying soil formation, horizon differentiation, and comprehensive classification systems.
Maps soils and produces soil survey reports, arranging soils into categories based on characteristics.

Soil Geology

Analyzes common soil-forming rocks, minerals, geological processes, and landforms in relation to agriculture.

Soil Conservation and Management

Addresses soil deterioration, its control, and maintenance of soil fertility and productivity.
Protects soil against losses from erosion and chemical degradation through various management practices.
Encompasses tillage, cropping, fertilization, and other methods to safeguard soil.

Land Use

Involves the allocation of lands for diverse purposes, including agriculture, housing, and industrial development.

Importance of Soil

Essential for plant growth, storing water, and supplying nutrients, impacting ecological balance.
Supports waste recycling and serves as a habitat for microorganisms and an engineering medium.
Its composition influences water purification and nutrient cycling.

Major Components of Soil

Consists of mineral matter (45%), organic matter (5%), water (25%), and air (25%), impacting soil properties.
Solid phase represents about 50% of total soil volume, made up of inorganic and organic materials.

Mineral Matter

Comprises 45% of soil; includes rock fragments classified as sand, silt, and clay based on particle size.

Organic Matter

Accounts for 5% of soil volume, consisting of partially decomposed plant and animal material, mainly humus.
Influences soil properties, increases water retention, and provides essential nutrients for plant growth.

Liquid Phase

Soil water acts as a solvent, nutrient carrier, and stabilizes soil temperature, essential for plant growth and microbial activity.
Water availability varies based on precipitation, irrigation, and drainage.

Gaseous Phase

Soil air is rich in nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2), but has higher carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations than atmospheric air.
Affects soil respiration and supports aerobic organisms; includes trace gases from microbial metabolism.

Soil Types

Mineral Soil: Contains less than 20% organic carbon.
Organic Soil: Contains at least 20% organic carbon.

Quote on Soil

"Soil is the great connector of lives, the source and destination of all. It is the healer and restorer and resurrector, by which disease passes into health, age into youth, death into life." - Wendell Berry.

Philippine Soils

A finite resource covering 30 million hectares, vital for agriculture.
Increasing population leads to conversion of prime agricultural land for urban uses.

Historical Context

Fertile Crescent marks early agricultural development; agricultural revolutions driven by population growth, shifting cultivation, and practices like the kaingin system.

Areas in Soil Science

Soil Fertility: Studies nutrient supply, fertilizer usage, and soil amendment.
Soil Microbiology: Focuses on microbial groups, their ecological roles, and impacts on soil fertility and plant health.
Edaphology: Examines the influence of soils on living organisms and land use for agriculture.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers fundamental concepts in soil chemistry and soil physics, including the nature, composition, and physico-chemical properties of soils. It explores nutrient reactions and the physical properties of soils in relation to plant growth, enhancing your understanding of these critical soil science aspects.