8 Questions
What is the primary factor that determines soil texture and water-holding capacity?
Particle size
Which of the following processes breaks down minerals in soil, releasing nutrients and forming new minerals?
Weathering
What is the primary effect of compaction on soil?
Reduced pore space and limited root growth
Which of the following methods is used to investigate soil texture?
All of the above
What is the primary effect of organic matter loss on soil?
Reduced soil fertility and disrupted soil structure
What is the primary difference between compacted and uncompacted soil in terms of total pore space?
Compacted soil has lower total pore space than uncompacted soil
What is the primary effect of erosion on soil?
Removes topsoil and decreases nutrient availability
What is the primary difference between compacted and uncompacted soil in terms of capillarity and infiltration rate?
Compacted soil has lower capillarity and infiltration rates than uncompacted soil
Study Notes
Physical Features of Soil
- Particle size determines soil texture and water-holding capacity.
- Soil texture is defined by the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay.
- Drainage is influenced by the physical features of soil.
Soil Structure and Compaction
- Soil structure is the organization of soil particles into aggregates.
- Compaction reduces pore space, limits root growth, and decreases water infiltration.
- Compacted soil has lower total pore space, reducing air and water-holding capacity.
Impact of Soil Degradation
- Organic matter loss reduces soil fertility, decreases water-holding capacity, and disrupts soil structure.
- Erosion removes topsoil, decreases nutrient availability, and increases sedimentation in water bodies.
- Sedimentation deposits eroded soil particles in water bodies, affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Weathering and Soil Formation
- Weathering breaks down minerals in soil, releasing nutrients and forming new minerals.
Investigating Soil Texture
- Sedimentation can be used to observe settling rates of sand, silt, and clay particles in water.
- Soil sieves separate soil particles based on size (sand, silt, clay).
- Hand testing involves feeling soil texture and cohesiveness by hand (sandy, loamy, clayey).
Water Movement in Soil
- Compacted soil has reduced capillarity and infiltration rates due to restricted pore space.
- Uncompacted soil has higher capillarity and infiltration rates, allowing for better water movement.
Explore the physical features of soil, including particle size, texture, drainage, temperature, and structure, and how they affect soil properties and plant growth.
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