Questions and Answers
What is soil?
The loose covering of broken rock particles and decaying organic matter (humus).
What is soil formation?
The soil-forming process begins when weathering breaks solid bedrock into smaller and smaller pieces.
What is parent material?
Material from which a soil is formed.
What are horizons in soil?
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What is the O Horizon?
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What is the A Horizon?
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What is the B Horizon?
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What is the C Horizon?
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What is leaching?
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What is soil texture?
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What is soil porosity?
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What is permeability in soil?
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How does climate affect soil?
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What is the effect of topography on soil?
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What is the biological effect on soil health?
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What is sand in soil?
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What is silt in soil?
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What is clay in soil?
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What is humus?
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How does humus help soil?
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What is bedrock?
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What is soil composed of?
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What does fertility in soil refer to?
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What are soil decomposers?
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What is clay soil composition?
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What is loam soil composition?
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What is sandy soil composition?
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Study Notes
Soil and Its Formation
- Soil is the loose layer of broken rock particles and decaying organic matter known as humus.
- Soil formation starts with weathering that breaks down solid bedrock into smaller pieces, allowing bacteria, fungi, and insects to thrive.
- The presence of organisms enhances nutrient content through decay, aiding soil development.
Soil Components and Layers
- Parent material forms the basis of soil composition and influences its properties.
- Horizons are distinct layers within a soil profile, each with unique characteristics.
- O Horizon is rich in organic material, containing decaying plant matter.
- A Horizon consists of organic matter and minerals; it's the darkest layer and where most plant roots reside.
- B Horizon accumulates soluble minerals leached from the top layers.
- C Horizon comprises less-weathered sediments and partially weathered parent material.
Soil Processes
- Leaching is the process where chemicals in upper soil layers dissolve and are carried to lower layers.
- Soil texture refers to the percentage distribution of sand, silt, and clay in a soil sample.
- Porosity indicates the amount and size of spaces between soil particles, affecting water retention capacity.
- Permeability is the rate at which water and air move through soil or bedrock.
Environmental Influences on Soils
- Climate affects soil acidity, alkalinity, and the speed of soil-forming processes.
- Topography influences drainage, with steep slopes prone to erosion and instability.
- Biological factors, such as the presence of decomposers, determine soil fertility and nutrient cycling.
Soil Particle Types
- Sand, the largest particle size (0.05 mm - 2 mm), allows for quicker water movement and softer soil texture.
- Silt, with a particle size of 0.002 mm - 0.05 mm, retains more water than sand and feels smooth when wet.
- Clay, the smallest particle size (less than 0.002 mm), makes soil difficult to penetrate and resistant to water infiltration.
Importance of Humus
- Humus enhances soil structure by creating spaces for air and water and contains vital nutrients for plant growth.
Bedrock Significance
- Bedrock is the solid layer of rock beneath soil, integral in soil composition.
Soil Composition Overview
- Soil is a mix consisting of rock particles (weathered bedrock), minerals, decayed organic material (humus), water, and air.
Soil Fertility
- Fertility measures soil's ability to support plant growth; high humus content results in high fertility.
Role of Soil Decomposers
- Decomposers like fungi, bacteria, worms, and mites play crucial roles in breaking down organic matter and enriching the soil.
Soil Types
- Clay soil: 15% silt, 15% sand, 70% clay; high in nutrients but challenging to work with and prone to waterlogging.
- Loam soil: 40% silt, 40% sand, 20% clay; most suitable for agriculture as it retains moisture while preventing waterlogging.
- Sandy soil: 20% silt, 65% sand, 15% clay; easy to cultivate but susceptible to drought due to lack of moisture retention.
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Test your knowledge on soil formation with these flashcards. Each card provides essential terminology and definitions related to the soil-forming process. Perfect for students looking to solidify their understanding of soil science.