30 Questions
What is the predominant soil type in southeastern Minnesota?
Silt loam
Which type of parent material results from sediment deposited in lakes formed by glacial meltwater?
Lacustrine
What factor makes erosion a major concern for soils formed in southwestern Minnesota?
Silt loam texture
Which region of Minnesota has soils formed in outwash that are excessively well-drained?
East-central Minnesota
What characterizes soils formed in till over bedrock in northeastern Minnesota?
Well-drained and silt loam texture
What are the primary components of soil?
Solids, liquids, and gases
What are the common factors among Minnesota soils?
Formed by the last glacier in the northern United States
What are the five factors affecting soil formation?
Parent material, climate, biota, topography, and time
What are the five major parent materials found in Minnesota?
Till, loess, lacustrine, outwash, and till over bedrock
Why are the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil important?
They affect how best to manage the soil
What is the primary role of soils in sustaining plant and animal life?
Supporting rooted plants
How many different soil series are formed in Minnesota due to the interaction of various factors?
Over 1,000
Why are Minnesota soils considered geologically young despite being formed 11,000 to 14,000 years ago?
They were formed by the last glacier
Which type of parent material in Minnesota soils results from sediment deposited in lakes formed by glacial meltwater?
Lacustrine
How do horizons in soils form according to the text?
As a result of additions, losses, and transfers of matter and energy
What distinguishes soil horizons from the initial material?
Additions, losses, transfers, and transformations of energy and matter
Which of the following is NOT considered one of the five major parent materials in Minnesota soils?
Volcanic ash
How many different soil series are formed in Minnesota according to scientists?
Exactly 1,108
Why are the geological soils in Minnesota considered young?
They were formed by the last glacier 11,000 to 14,000 years ago
Which factor plays a crucial role in determining the physical, chemical, and biological properties of different soils?
Parent Material
Which parent material in Minnesota typically results in soils with poor internal drainage?
Till
Which type of soil texture is commonly found in soils formed from loess in southeastern Minnesota?
Silt loam
Which parent material is predominantly found in the south-central, west-central, and southwestern parts of Minnesota?
Till
Which soil texture is not typically found in lacustrine parent materials?
Sandy loam
Which region of Minnesota has soils formed in outwash, characterized by excessive well-drained conditions and sandy loam textures?
All of the above
What is the typical texture of soils formed in loess in southeastern Minnesota?
Silt loam
What is the main concern for soils formed in till and loess in southwestern Minnesota?
Poor drainage
What is the main characteristic of soils formed in outwash in Minnesota?
Excessively well-drained
What is the primary concern for soils formed in lacustrine material in northwestern Minnesota?
Poor drainage
What type of soil texture is common in soils formed in till in south-central, west-central and southwestern parts of Minnesota?
Silty clay loam
Study Notes
Soil Formation in Minnesota
- Minnesota's geologically young soils were formed by the last glacier in the northern United States, 11,000 to 14,000 years ago.
- There are five major parent materials: Till, loess, lacustrine, outwash, and till over bedrock.
Till
- Till is predominant in the south-central, west-central, and southwestern parts of Minnesota.
- Soils formed in till have silty clay loam to silty clay textures, many different rock sizes, and poor internal drainage.
- Poor drainage has a large influence on nitrogen management and cultural practices.
Loess
- Loess is windblown, silt-sized material deposited after the glacier melted.
- Soils formed in loess have silt loam textures and no rocks.
- Most soils formed in loess occur in southeastern Minnesota, where the loess deposits are on top of limestone or sandstone.
- Soils in southeastern Minnesota are generally well-drained.
- Loess in southwestern Minnesota is deposited over glacial till and is poorly drained.
Lacustrine
- Lacustrine parent materials result from sediment deposited in lakes formed by glacial meltwater.
- Soils formed in lacustrine deposits have clay, clay loam, and silty clay loam textures, poor internal drainage, and no rocks.
- Many soils in northwestern Minnesota were formed in lacustrine material.
Outwash
- Outwash is material deposited on the edges of fast-running rivers from the melting ice of receding glaciers.
- Soils formed in outwash are excessively well-drained and have sand and sandy loam textures.
- Examples of Minnesota areas with soils formed in outwash include the Anoka Sand Plain, North Central Sands, and Bonanza Valley regions.
Till over Bedrock
- Till over bedrock deposits occur in northeastern Minnesota.
- Materials from the glacier were deposited over bedrock, similar to south-central Minnesota.
Soil Functions
- Soils perform vital functions to sustain plant and animal life, regulate water flow, filter and buffer pollutants, cycle nutrients, and provide physical stability and sort.
- Scientists attribute soil formation to the following factors: Parent material, climate, biota (organisms), topography, and time.
Test your knowledge on the composition and functions of soil, including its ability to support plant growth and regulate water flow. Explore the different layers of soil and how they are formed.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
