Soil Composition and Types in Ireland

True (A)

<p>Mineral matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>humus</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Clay = &lt; 0.002 mm Silt = 0.002 - 0.05 mm Sand = &gt; 0.05 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Leaching</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Relief</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Prevent water infiltration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sandy soil = Good drainage, but often lacks nutrients Clay soil = Retains moisture well, but can be difficult to work with Loamy soil = Well-balanced mixture of sand, silt and clay, ideal for farming</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Air provides oxygen and nitrogen for plant growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hot climate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To neutralize acidity</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>To illustrate how nutrients move between soil and plants (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nitrogen, Carbon</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>leaching</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Loss of soil quality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Overgrazing = Soil erosion and loss of vegetation Overcropping = Nutrient depletion and soil quality loss Deforestation = Exposed soils and increased erosion Leaching = Nutrient unavailability for plants</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Landslides</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Burning fossil fuels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Sahel</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>desertification</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Expanding desert areas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It washes nutrients deep into the soil (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rusty-red, due to iron oxide</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Peat soil, Gley, Brown earths, Podzols</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Overgrazing = Exposes the soil leading to erosion Over-farming = Leads to soil erosion Leaching = Washes nutrients into topsoil High temperature and humidity = Causes rapid decay of humus</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>horizons</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gleys (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Podzols = Infertile, slightly acidic, found in cold, wet upland areas Brown soils = Fertile, well-drained, suitable for arable farming Peat soils = Black in color, waterlogged, limited plant litter Gleys = Blue-grey color, poorly drained, found in cold regions</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Leaching</p> Signup and view all the answers

The measure of how acidic or alkaline soil is, affecting plant growth.

A scale that measures soil acidity, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline).

A substance made from limestone, used to neutralize acidic soils.

The process where nutrients are washed away from the soil, often in heavy rain conditions.

The solid rock underlying soil, which breaks down to form soil minerals.

The breaking down of rocks into smaller particles, contributing to soil formation.

The physical shape of the land, affecting soil retention and moisture.

The process that rapidly breaks down rocks in hot climates, forming deep soils.

Soil consists of mineral matter, humus, air, water, and living organisms.

The largest component of soil, derived from weathered bedrock, including stones, sand, clay, and silt.

A nutrient-rich, dark substance formed from decayed organic matter that increases soil fertility.

The process by which dead organic material decays to form humus.

Essential for plant growth, found in soil spaces, vital for organisms' survival.

Dissolves minerals and nutrients, allowing plants to absorb them through roots; crucial for growth.

Classified by texture: clay (smallest), silt (medium), sand (largest).

Earthworms and microorganisms mix soil, help break down matter, enhancing fertility.

Rapid alterations in the Earth's climate due to fossil fuel combustion.

A prolonged period of below-average rainfall leading to water shortage.

The process where fertile land becomes desert due to various factors, including drought.

A semi-arid area in Africa, south of the Sahara, experiencing desertification.

Includes famine, animal deaths, land erosion, and forced migration.

Water management practices to supply water for farming and conserve soil moisture.

Deep, iron-rich soils formed in hot, humid equatorial climates, often eroded by human activity.

An area where living organisms interact with their environment.

The process of nutrient movement between soil and plants.

Soil that lacks essential nutrients for plant growth.

Too many animals grazing in one area, damaging plant cover.

The removal of topsoil due to wind, water, or farming practices.

Farming the same crop repeatedly, depleting soil nutrients.

The clearing of trees, leading to soil exposure and degradation.

The process of washing away minerals and nutrients from soil, making it less fertile.

A cross-section of soil showing different layers known as horizons.

Soil formed in cold, wet upland areas with grey color and leaching leading to hardpan.

Dark brown soil formed in regions once covered by deciduous trees, rich in humus.

Dark, waterlogged soil found in upland areas, rich in partially decayed organic matter.

Blue-grey soil found in cold regions, poorly drained due to high clay content, often waterlogged.

Soil forms part of an ecosystem, supporting plant life crucial to the environment.