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Leaving aside the obvious (wet soil looks darker), the amount of organic matter or humus in a soil controls how dark the soil is. Generally the darker a soil is, the "richer" it is considered to be.

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13y ago
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3mo ago

Soils vary in color due to differences in their composition of minerals and organic matter. Factors such as moisture content, organic content, and the presence of iron compounds can influence the color of soil. A reddish hue may indicate the presence of iron oxides, while a dark color may suggest high organic matter content.

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Q: What causes soils to vary in color?
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What types of soils are in Alabama?

In Alabama, you can find a variety of soils such as sandy soils, clay soils, loamy soils, and peaty soils. The dominant soil types in the state include Ultisols, Alfisols, and Inceptisols. These soils vary in their characteristics and suitability for different types of crops or land uses.


What are the problem soils and their reclamation?

Problem soils include saline soils, sodic soils, acidic soils, and compacted soils. Reclamation methods vary depending on the type of problem soil but can include adding soil amendments like gypsum for sodic soils, lime for acidic soils, and organic matter for compacted soils. Drainage improvement and crop rotation are other common strategies for reclaiming problem soils.


Which earth sphere causes the movement of soils by wind?

The lithosphere is responsible for the movement of soils by wind as it includes the Earth's land surface where soils can be transported by wind erosion.


How do soils vary?

Soils vary in terms of texture (sand, silt, clay), structure (how particles are arranged), composition (organic matter, minerals), pH level, fertility (nutrient content), and drainage capabilities. These variations influence the suitability of soils for different types of plants and specific land uses.


What type of soil does Nebraska have?

Nebraska has a variety of soils, including loess soils, sandy soils, and clayey soils. The predominant soil types in Nebraska are silt loams, which are fertile and well-draining, making them suitable for agriculture. The state's soils vary depending on the region and landscape characteristics.

Related questions

What is the color of hydro?

clay soils, loamy soils and sandy soils


What types of soils are in Alabama?

In Alabama, you can find a variety of soils such as sandy soils, clay soils, loamy soils, and peaty soils. The dominant soil types in the state include Ultisols, Alfisols, and Inceptisols. These soils vary in their characteristics and suitability for different types of crops or land uses.


What can prairie soils often be identified by?

their color


What are the problem soils and their reclamation?

Problem soils include saline soils, sodic soils, acidic soils, and compacted soils. Reclamation methods vary depending on the type of problem soil but can include adding soil amendments like gypsum for sodic soils, lime for acidic soils, and organic matter for compacted soils. Drainage improvement and crop rotation are other common strategies for reclaiming problem soils.


Which earth sphere causes the movement of soils by wind?

The lithosphere is responsible for the movement of soils by wind as it includes the Earth's land surface where soils can be transported by wind erosion.


What is the color of the interior plains?

The interior plains can vary in color depending on the region, but they are typically characterized by tan, brown, or yellow hues due to the presence of sedimentary rocks and soils. Additionally, vegetation cover and seasonal changes can also affect the color of the interior plains.


What are soils properties?

water absorption, color, texture, and fertility


How do soils vary?

Soils vary in terms of texture (sand, silt, clay), structure (how particles are arranged), composition (organic matter, minerals), pH level, fertility (nutrient content), and drainage capabilities. These variations influence the suitability of soils for different types of plants and specific land uses.


What type of soil does Nebraska have?

Nebraska has a variety of soils, including loess soils, sandy soils, and clayey soils. The predominant soil types in Nebraska are silt loams, which are fertile and well-draining, making them suitable for agriculture. The state's soils vary depending on the region and landscape characteristics.


Four differences among kinds of soil?

Composition: Soils can vary in their composition of sand, silt, and clay particles, impacting properties like water retention and drainage. pH levels: Soils can have varying pH levels, affecting nutrient availability to plants. Organic matter content: Soils differ in the amount of organic materials present, influencing fertility and microbial activity. Texture: Soils can range in texture from sandy to loamy to clayey, affecting root growth and aeration.


What are ferruginious soils?

Ferruginous soils are soils that contain a high concentration of iron. These soils often have a distinctive reddish-brown color due to the presence of iron oxides such as hematite and goethite. Ferruginous soils are generally well-drained and can be fertile for certain crops, but they can also be prone to erosion.


What type of soil does East Africa have?

East Africa has a diverse range of soil types, including volcanic soils, clay soils, sandy soils, and loamy soils. These soils vary in fertility and composition based on factors such as climate, topography, and geology. In general, the region's soils can support agriculture, but proper soil management practices are important for sustaining productivity.