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Soil
Soil, by definition, is a earthly compound comprised of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) matter that is formed in several layers over millions of years. It is the very component of the Earth that plants need to root themselves and grow in in order to feed all animal life. There are many different types of soil across the globe for each continent and biome, and each type has its characteristics that depict what plants can grow where, when, and how. Questions and answers about soil can be asked and answered here.
10,730 Questions
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Which soil will percolate water the fastest?
Sandy soil will generally percolate water the fastest due to its large particle size and low clay content, allowing water to move through more quickly. Conversely, clay soil has smaller particles and higher water retention, leading to slower percolation.
How much of the earth's carbon is stored in the soil?
About 2,500 gigatons of carbon are estimated to be stored in the Earth's soil. This amount is roughly three times more than the carbon currently in the atmosphere. Soil carbon plays a crucial role in regulating the global carbon cycle and climate.
Water in soil moves from points where it has a relatively high energy status to points where its energy status is lower. Two factors determine the energy status of water at any given point in a non-saline soil. The first factor is the elevantioal position in the soil relative to a reference level. The higher an object is located above the reference level, the higher is its gravitational energy. This is true also of any given quantity of water in soil: the higher the water is located in the soil profile, the higher is its gravitational energy (g). Gravitational energy is expressed as the number of centimeters (or inches) above or below an arbitrarily chosen reference level.
The second factor determining the energy status of water is the water's pressure head (h) , as discussed in part 2. Pressure heads are negative in unsaturated soil where not all the pores are water-filled. Those that are water- filled act in a manner similar to capillaries and exert suction on water. On the other hand, pressure head can be positive, as occurs in the saturated zone below the surface of the water in soil (the "water table"). There, all or nearly all (allowing for some trapped air) pores are filled with water. Pressure head is equal to zero (h =0) at the water table. It becomes progressively higher (more positive) with increasing distance below the water table. Pressure head becomes progressively lower (more negative) with increasing distance above the water table.
The hydraulic head (H) at a given point in the soil is equal to the sum of the gravitational and pressure heads, at that point, as illustrated schematically in Figure 1 for selected conditions.
What are the disadvantages of eating soil?
Eating soil, also known as geophagy, can lead to health issues such as nutrient deficiencies, gastrointestinal problems, and exposure to harmful contaminants like heavy metals or parasites. It is not a recommended practice as the human body is not designed to digest soil, and it can have negative consequences on overall health.
What defines high quality soil?
High quality soil is characterized by a balanced and diverse ecosystem of microorganisms, organic matter content, good drainage and aeration, proper pH levels, adequate nutrient content, and soil structure that allows for root growth and water infiltration. It should also be free from contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides.
What characteristic is shared by both inceptisols and entisols the soils of flood plains?
Both inceptisols and entisols share the characteristic of being young soils with minimal horizon development. They are often found in flood plains where frequent flooding prevents the formation of distinct soil horizons, resulting in a relatively undeveloped soil profile.
What can volcanic ash give to soil?
Volcanic ash can provide essential nutrients to soil, such as potassium, phosphorus, and other mineral elements. It also helps improve soil structure by enhancing water retention and aeration. Additionally, it can contribute to increased soil fertility and support plant growth.
Adobe soil is made from a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and sometimes other organic materials. This traditional building material is popular in arid regions for constructing homes and structures due to its affordability, durability, and thermal properties.
Mining can lead to soil erosion and degradation, resulting in loss of soil fertility and disruption of soil structure. It can also introduce heavy metals and other contaminants into the soil, making it unsuitable for agricultural use. Additionally, mining activities can disrupt natural habitats, leading to loss of biodiversity and ecological balance.
Is high alkaline soil high acid soil?
No, high alkaline soil and high acid soil are not the same. High alkaline soil has a high pH level above 7, while high acid soil has a low pH level below 7. The pH level affects nutrient availability for plants, so it is important to understand the pH of your soil for successful gardening or farming.
The slow formation of clay and thin soils in the desert is due to?
The slow formation of clay and thin soils in the desert is mainly due to the low levels of precipitation and organic matter input in arid environments. In deserts, the lack of consistent water availability and limited plant growth hinder the weathering and breakdown of rocks into finer particles needed for soil formation.
Does gravel dirt or potting soil erode easier?
Gravel is more prone to erosion than dirt or potting soil because it is made up of loose, individual particles that can be easily washed away by water or wind. Dirt and potting soil contain organic matter that helps bind the particles together, making them less vulnerable to erosion.
What are the different types of soil on earth?
- Sandy soil
- Silty soil
- Clay soil
- Loamy Soil
- Peaty Soil
- Chalky Soil
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-soil.html
Hope this helps!
How much Ecoli permitted in soil?
There are no specific regulations governing the permissible levels of E. coli in soil. However, the presence of E. coli in soil can indicate contamination with fecal matter and potential risks to human health. It is important to prevent contamination by practicing safe hygiene measures and proper waste disposal.
Does the term 'pH of soil is used to express the degree of acidity or alkalinity of the soil?
Yes, that's correct! The pH of soil indicates its acidity or alkalinity levels on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH value below 7 indicates acidity, while a pH value above 7 indicates alkalinity. A pH of 7 is considered neutral.
What is the meaning of in the patches of soil laid bare by the melt that had brought them there?
This phrase suggests that the soil was exposed due to melting snow or ice. It could symbolize vulnerability or the uncovering of hidden truths.
How does rocks break and form soil?
Rocks break down into smaller pieces due to weathering processes such as freezing and thawing, root growth, and physical abrasion. Over time, these broken rock fragments combine with organic matter to form soil through a process called pedogenesis. This newly formed soil provides a medium for plant growth and supports ecosystems.
Soil absorbs water through capillary action, which is the process by which water is drawn upward in small spaces between soil particles. The soil's porosity and texture play a key role in determining how well it can absorb and retain water. Once water enters the soil, it is held in place by adhesion and cohesion forces between the water molecules and the soil particles.
How is the quality of soil decided?
The quality of soil is determined by its physical, chemical, and biological properties. This includes factors such as texture, pH levels, nutrient content, organic matter, and the presence of beneficial microorganisms. Soil quality is also influenced by factors like compaction, water retention, and drainage.
How do soil factors contributions to the soil formation?
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What is in the third layer of soil structure?
The third layer of soil structure, known as the C horizon, typically consists of partially weathered parent material. This layer is where the weathered rock fragments accumulate, and it contains less organic matter and nutrients compared to the top layers. The C horizon is usually denser and harder due to the presence of relatively unaltered materials.
What comes first soil clay then sand or soil sand then clay?
The sequence of soil layers depends on the natural processes that have occurred in that specific location. However, in many cases, soil sand is found closer to the surface followed by soil clay, which is typically found deeper in the soil profile.
Why is soil living and non-living?
Soil is living because it contains microorganisms, insects, earthworms, and plant roots that contribute to nutrient cycling and soil structure. It is also non-living because it consists of minerals, organic matter, water, and air that provide physical support for plant growth but do not exhibit biological processes on their own.
How is silt related to fertility of soil?
Silt is a type of soil particle that is finer than sand but coarser than clay. It is beneficial to soil fertility because it has good water retention properties and provides aeration for plant roots. Silt also contains essential nutrients that can help support plant growth.
