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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

Why do soils run out of nutrients?

Soils can run out of nutrients due to factors like weathering of minerals, leaching of nutrients through water movement, excessive nutrient uptake by plants, and lack of replenishment through organic matter or fertilizers. Over time, these processes can deplete essential nutrients from the soil, affecting plant growth and productivity.

What is the solid rock and soil that covers the earth?

The solid rock covering the Earth's surface is called the Earth's crust. Below the crust is the solid layer of rock called the mantle. Together, the crust and uppermost part of the mantle make up the lithosphere. The soil that covers the Earth is the loose material made up of minerals, organic matter, water, and air that supports plant growth.

3 ways of preventing soil degradation?

  1. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices like crop rotation, using cover crops, and reducing tillage to minimize soil erosion.
  2. Planting trees and vegetation to help stabilize soil structure and prevent erosion.
  3. Improving water management to reduce waterlogging and salinization, which can degrade soil fertility.

What are the critical limits for Calcium Magnesium Sulfur and Molybdenum in soils of India?

The critical limits for Calcium in soil in India are 4000-5000 ppm, for Magnesium 250-500 ppm, for Sulfur 10-20 ppm, and for Molybdenum 0.1-0.5 ppm. These values may vary depending on the specific region and type of soil. It's important to conduct soil tests to determine the nutrient levels accurately.

What is the name for disturbance that removes most of the organisms and damges the soil?

The term for this disturbance is "habitat destruction" or "ecosystem degradation". It can result from factors such as deforestation, pollution, urbanization, or natural disasters, leading to a decline in biodiversity and ecosystem health.

What is a low ridge of rocks sand and soil left by a glacier?

A moraine is a low ridge of rocks, sand, and soil that is deposited by a glacier as it advances and retreats. It can be found at the edges or terminus of a glacier, marking the furthest extent of the glacier's advance.

What does A horizon contain?

The A horizon, also known as the topsoil, contains a mixture of mineral particles, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. It is the uppermost layer of soil and is vital for plant growth as it contains nutrients and provides a habitat for soil organisms.

How would this soil sample be described?

To describe a soil sample, one would typically analyze its texture, color, pH level, organic matter content, and nutrient composition. This information can help determine the suitability of the soil for various purposes such as gardening or farming.

What is rich fertile soil deposited by floods called?

Rich fertile soil deposited by floods is called alluvial soil. This type of soil is typically found in floodplains and river deltas, and is known for its high fertility due to its mineral content and moisture retention.

What happens to the soil nutrients in a clear-cut watershed?

Clear-cutting removes the tree cover, which can lead to increased erosion and soil disturbance. Nutrients that were once held in the vegetation can be washed away by rainwater, which can negatively impact water quality downstream. Re-vegetation and soil conservation efforts are needed to help restore nutrient balance in the watershed.

How does climate causes soil formation?

The hotter and more humid a climate, the faster and more completely big rocks are broken into smaller rocks, then into pebbles, then into tiny particles that make up the loose stuff we call soil. If a climate is cool and dry, this "weathering" process proceeds very slowly.

Does The erosional process which causes rock to change into soil is called weathering?

Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller pieces, ultimately leading to the formation of soil. Erosion, on the other hand, is the transport of these weathered particles by wind, water, or ice. So, weathering transforms rock into soil, while erosion moves that soil to a new location.

What are the five causes of soil mismanagement?

  1. Deforestation and land clearing practices leading to erosion.
  2. Overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, leading to soil degradation.
  3. Poor irrigation practices causing salinization and water logging.
  4. Unsustainable farming practices, such as monocropping, depleting soil nutrients.
  5. Urbanization and industrial activities contaminating soil with pollutants.

What will happen to plants if the roots stop growing and did not receive water from the soil?

If the roots stop growing and do not receive water from the soil, the plant will not be able to take up water and nutrients needed for survival. Eventually, the plant will wilt and die due to lack of water and nutrient uptake.

How does organic matter forms when once living material undergoes?

When living material undergoes decomposition, organic matter forms as the organic compounds within the material break down into simpler molecules. This process is driven by the activity of decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and other organisms that break down complex organic compounds into humus, which is a key component of organic matter in soil.

How does acid rain increase the acidity of soil?

Acid rain contains sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which react with water in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. When acid rain falls to the ground, it decreases the soil pH by releasing hydrogen ions, making the soil more acidic. This can be harmful to plants and soil organisms.

When soil remains on a device after cleaning?

If soil remains on a device after cleaning, you can try using a soft brush or cloth to gently remove it. If that doesn't work, you can use a small amount of mild soap or rubbing alcohol on a cloth to help dissolve and remove the soil. Just be careful not to use too much liquid to avoid damaging the device.

Why are world maps of climate soil formation and natural vegetation so similar?

World maps of climate, soil formation, and natural vegetation are similar because these factors are interlinked. Climate influences soil by determining factors such as temperature and precipitation, which in turn affect soil properties. Natural vegetation is adapted to the prevailing climate and soil conditions, leading to similar distribution patterns of these three factors on a global scale.

Which best describes soil found in deserts?

Mostly none. It is totally sand though there may be arable soil somewhere below those deserts. An oasis in a desert is a place that has water which has allowed plant growth and self fertilizing of the area by plant decay.

Does soil have cell organization?

Soil is a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air, so it does not have cell organization. Soil is composed of a variety of materials and organisms, including bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and plant roots, which are not organized in a cell structure like living organisms.

Why is structure easier to change than texture soil?

Structure is easier to change in soil because it is influenced by the arrangement of soil particles, which can be altered by mechanical means such as tilling. Texture, on the other hand, refers to the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil, which is more difficult to change as it is inherent to the soil type.

How do you demonstrate that using dung on the soil can improve their crops?

Using dung as fertilizer can improve soil structure, provide essential nutrients for plant growth, and increase soil water retention. This can be demonstrated through conducting controlled experiments where one plot of land is fertilized with dung while another is left unfertilized, and then comparing the growth and yield of crops in both plots. Additionally, analyzing the nutrient content and soil health parameters before and after applying dung can provide scientific evidence of its benefits.

What are advantages and disadvantages of gravimetric method of soil moisture?

Advantages:

  1. Accurate and reliable measurement of soil moisture content.
  2. Can be used in a wide range of soil types and conditions.
  3. Relatively simple and cost-effective method.

Disadvantages:

  1. Labor-intensive and time-consuming.
  2. Requires specialized equipment and trained personnel.
  3. Limited spatial coverage due to the need for multiple sample measurements.

Why should the soil not be left bare?

Leaving soil bare can lead to erosion, loss of nutrients, and reduced ability to hold water. Covering the soil with plants or organic matter helps to protect it, maintain its structure, and promote healthier microbial activity.

What happen to the density of soil when you add water to it?

When you add water to soil, the density typically decreases as the water fills in the pore spaces between soil particles. This can cause the soil to become more compacted and settle, leading to a reduction in overall density compared to dry soil.