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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

What term is used to describe the ability of soil to support plant growth?

The term used to describe the ability of soil to support plant growth is "soil fertility." Soil fertility refers to the soil's capacity to provide essential nutrients, moisture, and physical support for plant growth.

How are sewage pipes harmful to soil?

Sewage pipes can be harmful to soil if they leak or break, releasing untreated wastewater and chemicals into the soil. This can lead to contamination of the soil and groundwater, affecting plant growth and biodiversity. Additionally, sewage pipes can introduce pathogens and pollutants into the soil, posing a health risk to humans and wildlife.

How do wildfires help restore soil nutrients?

When plants are burned in huge quantities in wildfires, all the nutrients that they all held inside them actually seep into the soil- they do not just disappear into nothing! Energy rule- energy cannot be created or destroyed. e.g. a baby grows by taking 'stuff' from its environment, it does not grow from nowhere! So back to the question if all these plants containing all these nutrients are burnt, all those nutrients do not go with the fire- every single nutrient in those plants goes into the soil- which in turn promotes new plant growth in the dormant seeds in the ground, which begin to grow in the new space created due to light being able to reach them; and the cycle goes on.

What is the name of the method that planting without soil?

The method of planting without soil is called hydroponics. It involves growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution rather than traditional soil. This method allows for more controlled growing conditions and can result in increased plant growth and yields.

What does the term percolation mean?

Percolation refers to the process of a liquid gradually passing through a porous substance, such as water moving through coffee grounds in a coffee maker. In a broader sense, percolation can also refer to the movement or spread of substances (such as contaminants) through a medium like soil or rock. It is commonly used in scientific and engineering contexts to describe fluid flow or diffusion.

How many tons of sand are there in the deserts?

I have seen that Each grain of sand weights 0.0027 grams

One ton is 907,185 grams,

That is 335,994,400 grains of sand per ton and there are (aproximately) 700,500,000,000,000,000,000 grains of sand on earth (seven quintillion five quadrillion) from what I could found on the internet,

but I don't know for the deserts only

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Not all deserts have sand- many are rocky. No one has measured the sand in all the deserts, so the weight is not known.

What kind of soil is best for growing Mint?

Mint grows best in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy or sandy soil that is rich in organic matter is ideal for growing mint plants. It is important to avoid heavy clay soil that retains water as it can lead to root rot.

What kinds of things does topsoil contain?

Topsoil contains a mixture of organic matter, minerals, water, air, and microorganisms. It also contains nutrients essential for plant growth such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The composition of topsoil can vary depending on the location and environmental conditions.

How can sand bags prevent floods?

Sacks are filled with sand or soil in order to make a sand bags. They are cheap to make and are used to quickly make a wall around a certain area in order to hold the water back, thus preventing a flood.

What is the type of soil found in the northern plains?

The type of soil found in the northern plains is predominantly alluvial soil, which is fertile and rich in nutrients due to deposits from rivers such as the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra. This soil is well-suited for agriculture and supports the cultivation of various crops.

What are the different types of environmental monitoring?

The different types of environmental monitoring include air quality monitoring, water quality monitoring, soil monitoring, and biodiversity monitoring. These monitoring activities help assess the health of ecosystems, detect pollution and contaminants, and inform decision-making for environmental management and protection.

How do you overcome drought to avoid soil erosion?

To overcome drought and avoid soil erosion, you can implement sustainable water management practices such as rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and mulching. These practices help retain moisture in the soil, promote root growth, and protect the soil surface from erosion. Additionally, planting drought-tolerant crops and cover crops can help maintain soil structure and reduce erosion risk during dry periods.

What happens to phosporus that erodes from rock and soil?

Phosphorus that erodes from rocks and soil typically enters water systems, where it can contribute to nutrient pollution. Excess phosphorus in water bodies can lead to eutrophication, causing algae blooms and reducing oxygen levels, which can harm aquatic life. Managing phosphorus runoff is important to protect water quality and ecosystems.

How do shelter belts prevent topsoil loss?

Shelter belts help prevent topsoil loss by reducing wind speed, which decreases the chance of soil erosion. The trees and shrubs in shelter belts also help to stabilize the soil by reducing water runoff and promoting water infiltration. Additionally, the roots of the plants in shelter belts help bind the soil together, further preventing erosion.

Why is the soil of plains so fertile?

Plains receive eroded minerals from higher elevations, and erosion does not remove as much dead plant material as it does from hills and mountains. Precipitation tends to percolate minerals down into the soil.

How soil is destroyed?

Soil can be destroyed through processes such as erosion, deforestation, pollution, overgrazing, and poor agricultural practices. These activities can deplete the soil of nutrients, organic matter, and its physical structure, leading to reduced fertility and productivity. Soil destruction can have long-lasting impacts on the environment and agriculture.

How much topsoil is in a scoop?

A typical scoop of topsoil can vary in volume, but it is usually around 0.5 to 1 cubic yard, depending on the size of the scoop. This amount of topsoil can weigh around 1,000 to 2,000 pounds, depending on its moisture content and composition.

Why are crops sown in organic soil better than other soils?

organic soils are favorable due to their composition. They contain all the constituents that are required for a plant. Also the uptake of water in other soils. The other biomass present in the soil aid in the healthy season.

Which is the soil formed by leaching and oxidation?

Laterite soil is formed by leaching and oxidation processes. It is characterized by its high iron and aluminum content, as well as its low fertility due to nutrient depletion. This type of soil is commonly found in tropical regions with high rainfall.

How is cotton farming harmful to the earth soil usable?

Cotton farming can be harmful to soil health due to excessive water usage, pesticide and fertilizer runoff leading to soil contamination, and soil erosion due to intensive farming practices. These activities can degrade soil quality, reduce fertility, and harm overall ecosystem balance. Organic and sustainable farming practices can help mitigate these impacts.

Why is it necessary to monitor the lithosphere maintain soil quality and be good stewards?

Monitoring the lithosphere is essential to understand changes in soil quality, such as erosion, compaction, and contamination, which directly affect plant growth and ecosystem health. Being good stewards means responsibly managing and protecting natural resources for future generations by preventing soil degradation, promoting sustainable practices, and conserving biodiversity. Regular monitoring helps identify issues early on and allows for timely intervention to maintain soil quality and ensure long-term environmental health.

What event demonstrated the need for new soil conservation practices and policies?

The Dust Bowl of the 1930s in the United States demonstrated the need for new soil conservation practices and policies. Severe drought and poor farming practices led to widespread soil erosion, causing large dust storms that devastated farmlands and communities. This event highlighted the importance of sustainable land management to prevent soil degradation and protect natural resources.

Why do farmers irrigate the fields before sowing seeds?

Farmers irrigate the fields before sowing seeds to ensure that the soil is adequately moist, which promotes germination and helps the seeds establish a strong root system. This practice helps provide the seeds with the necessary water and nutrients for growth, leading to healthier and more productive crops.

What type of soil is needed to grow peanuts?

Peanuts grow best in well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2. The soil should be loose and friable to allow for easy penetration of the peanut pods as they develop underground. It is important to avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils, as they can cause rotting of the developing peanuts.

What is the base material called from which soil is created?

The base material from which soil is created is called parent material. This can be rock, sediment, organic matter, or a combination of these materials that undergo weathering and decomposition processes to form soil.