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Questions and Answers
What is primarily accelerated by the removal of plants and trees from the soil?
What is primarily accelerated by the removal of plants and trees from the soil?
What factor contributes to soil acidification at an accelerated rate?
What factor contributes to soil acidification at an accelerated rate?
Which effect of poor soil management results in the build-up of salt on the soil surface?
Which effect of poor soil management results in the build-up of salt on the soil surface?
What is a result of heavy metal contamination in soil?
What is a result of heavy metal contamination in soil?
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Desertification typically occurs in which type of areas?
Desertification typically occurs in which type of areas?
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What defines the O horizon of soil?
What defines the O horizon of soil?
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Which horizon is referred to as the 'zone of accumulation'?
Which horizon is referred to as the 'zone of accumulation'?
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What is the primary characteristic of the A horizon?
What is the primary characteristic of the A horizon?
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What distinguishes the E horizon from the other soil horizons?
What distinguishes the E horizon from the other soil horizons?
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Which statement correctly describes the C horizon?
Which statement correctly describes the C horizon?
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How does soil management most directly affect soil quality?
How does soil management most directly affect soil quality?
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What can be inferred about bedrock in relation to the soil profile?
What can be inferred about bedrock in relation to the soil profile?
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What is the general role of soil quality in an ecosystem?
What is the general role of soil quality in an ecosystem?
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What is the primary characteristic of the B horizon that affects its color?
What is the primary characteristic of the B horizon that affects its color?
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Which horizon is typically the final layer before reaching bedrock?
Which horizon is typically the final layer before reaching bedrock?
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What does the solid component of soil primarily consist of?
What does the solid component of soil primarily consist of?
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Which of the following is NOT a main characteristic of soil?
Which of the following is NOT a main characteristic of soil?
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What is the role of water in soil?
What is the role of water in soil?
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What does soil texture refer to?
What does soil texture refer to?
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Which gases are commonly found filling the open spaces in soil?
Which gases are commonly found filling the open spaces in soil?
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Why is soil considered a semi non-renewable resource?
Why is soil considered a semi non-renewable resource?
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What does humus contribute to soil?
What does humus contribute to soil?
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Study Notes
Soil Composition
- Soil is a mixture of solid, liquid, and gas.
- The solid component includes mineral grains and biological material.
- Soil is a product of weathering processes.
- It supports plant growth by providing water and nutrients.
- Gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and oxygen fill the spaces within the soil.
- Soil is a semi-non-renewable resource, taking a long time to accumulate nutrients and water.
Soil Texture
- Soil texture refers to the proportion of clay, silt, and sand particles.
- Humus, partially decayed organic matter in soil, is critical for soil fertility.
Soil Texture Triangle
- A diagram that helps determine soil type based on its composition (clay, silt, and sand percentages).
Four Main Characteristics of Soil
- Soil depth: The thickness from the surface to a root-limiting layer (like bedrock or seasonal water table).
- Soil texture: The relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay, affecting characteristics like porosity, drainage, and permeability.
- Soil structure: The shape and size of soil aggregates—the clumps or grains.
- Organic matter: The amount of organic material within the soil, impacting soil characteristics.
Soil Profile
- A sequence of soil horizons from the surface down to bedrock.
- Each horizon has distinct physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.
Soil Horizons
- O horizon: Contains organic matter, usually dark-colored.
- A horizon: Typically dark due to the presence of humus.
- E horizon: A light-colored layer sometimes present in forest areas.
- B horizon: Brownish or reddish; leached materials from above have accumulated here.
- C horizon: Made up of parent material (bedrock) in varying stages of weathering.
Soil Quality and Poor Soil Management
- Soil quality is a soil's ability to sustain biological productivity, maintain environmental quality, and promote plant and animal health. Human activities can significantly affect soil quality.
- Soil Pollution: occurs when soil particles are detached, transported, and deposited. Can occur naturally or from human activities.
- Erosion: the removal of soil particles; can be accelerated by removing plants and trees.
- Desertification: The degradation of productive land in arid and semi-arid areas.
- Acidification: Soil becomes more acidic due to the build-up of acidic cations (hydrogen, aluminum, iron, and manganese). Fertilizers (like anhydrous ammonia) can accelerate this.
- Salinization: Accumulation of salt on the soil surface, harming plant growth.
- Deforestation: Removing trees and vegetation negatively impacts the soil.
- Heavy metal contamination: A toxic build-up that impacts plant and microbial life in the soil.
- Eutrophication: Excessive nitrogen and phosphorus (from fertilizers) build up in water bodies, leading to algal blooms and harming the ecosystem.
- Bedrock: Solid unweathered rock.
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Description
Test your knowledge on soil composition and its characteristics in this informative quiz. Explore the components of soil, its texture, and the importance of humus for fertility. Additionally, learn about the soil texture triangle and its significance in determining soil types.