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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 is silt loam?

Silt loam is a type of soil that consists of a balanced mixture of silt, sand, and clay particles. It is known for its good drainage properties and ability to retain moisture, making it suitable for a wide range of plants. Silt loam is commonly used in agriculture due to its fertility and ability to support plant growth.

What particles are the main material that make up soil?

The main particles that make up soil are sand, silt, and clay. These particles come from the weathering of rocks and minerals over time, and their proportions in soil determine its texture and properties. Organic matter is also an important component of soil, contributing to its fertility and health.

What soil is formed from the same material as the bedrock beneath it?

Residual soil is formed from the same material as the bedrock beneath it through weathering processes over time. The characteristics of residual soil often mirror those of the bedrock from which it was derived.

Why is bedrock called the parent material of soil?

Bedrock is called the parent material of soil because it is the underlying layer from which soil is formed through weathering and erosion processes over time. The composition and properties of bedrock influence the characteristics of the soil that develops on top of it.

What is to put in the ground and cover with dirt called?

Planting or burying something in the ground and covering it with dirt is called "burying" or "planting."

How is climate linked to soil quality?

Climate plays a large role in determining soil quality by influencing factors such as temperature, precipitation, and erosion rates. Climate affects the rate of soil formation, nutrient availability, and the types of vegetation that can grow in a particular region, all of which impact soil quality. Extreme climate conditions, such as prolonged droughts or heavy rainfall, can degrade soil quality by leading to erosion, loss of organic matter, and nutrient depletion.

What is the property of soil that refers to the size of soil particles?

Soil texture refers to the size of soil particles. Soil can be classified as sandy, silty, or clayey based on the percentage of each particle size present in the soil sample.

How do wind erosion effect soil?

Wind erosion can remove valuable topsoil, which can lead to decreased soil fertility and productivity. It can also cause soil compaction and loss of soil structure, making it harder for plants to grow and roots to penetrate the soil. In extreme cases, wind erosion can lead to desertification and the loss of vegetation cover.

Why is the bottommost layer of the soil?

The bottommost layer of soil is called the bedrock. It is made up of solid rock that is often compact and hard, making it difficult for plant roots to penetrate. Bedrock provides stability for upper layers of soil and influences drainage and nutrient availability.

What soil layer is also called subsoil?

The soil layer that is also called subsoil is the B horizon. It is located below the A horizon (topsoil) and above the C horizon (bedrock). The subsoil contains less organic matter and is primarily composed of minerals and leached materials from the layers above.

Why is soil not the same?

Soil is not the same because it is composed of a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms that vary in composition and proportions from one location to another. Factors like climate, topography, parent material, organisms, and time all contribute to the formation of diverse soil types.

Why erosion is harmful to soil?

Soil Erosion needs to be prevented because it leads to loss of the top nutrient-rich soil. If nutrient-rich soil is lost, it will result in the exposure of depleted soil which can not be used for cultivation. Thus food production and agriculture will suffer.

Why does water sop traveling through the soil and remain in an aquifer?

Water stops traveling through the soil and remains in an aquifer because the aquifer is a layer of permeable rock or sediment that can store and transmit water. When water encounters the aquifer, it seeps into the pores and spaces within the rock or sediment, where it can be stored for long periods of time due to the low permeability of the material.

What happens in a percolation filter?

In a percolation filter, water flows through a porous material, such as sand or gravel, to remove impurities and contaminants. The filter traps particles and substances, allowing cleaner water to pass through. Percolation filters are commonly used in wastewater treatment and in drinking water filtration systems.

What is color of soil?

Soil can come in a variety of colors depending on its composition and other factors. It can range from brown to red to black to white, depending on the minerals, organic matter, and other substances present in it.

What is the art of tilling the soil called?

The art of tilling the soil is called cultivation. It involves preparing the soil for planting by breaking it up, mixing it, and making it suitable for growing crops. Cultivation helps improve soil structure, aeration, and nutrient availability for plants.

What type of soil is easily blown by the wind?

Sandy soil is easily blown by the wind due to its loose texture and lack of organic matter that help bind the soil particles together. Its lightweight composition makes it prone to erosion and displacement by wind action.

What does composting do for the soil?

Composting adds organic matter to the soil, which improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, and increases nutrient content. This leads to soil that is healthier, more fertile, and better able to support plant growth.

Where do you find the sandy soil mostly?

Sandy soil is commonly found in coastal areas, deserts, and arid regions where the weathering of rocks has produced a predominance of sand-sized particles. It is also prevalent in riverbanks and areas with high wind erosion.

What type of soil is prairie?

Prairies typically have deep, rich soils that are dark in color and fertile. These soils are known as mollisols and are high in organic matter content, making them well-suited for supporting a wide variety of plant life.

What is the soil with a medium texture?

Soil with a medium texture is known as loam. It has a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay particles, making it ideal for plant growth as it retains moisture while also allowing for proper drainage and good root development.

What horizon would you find topsoil?

first you must look in the crack or the anal colum in the rear region of the the soil

What is seeping downward through the horizons dissolves and carries minerals into lower horizons by the process of?

Leaching is the process in which water seeping downward through the soil dissolves and carries minerals from the upper horizons into lower horizons. This movement of minerals can impact the soil fertility and nutrient availability in different layers of the soil profile.

Is soil a mixture of sediments from weathered rock and decayed materials and gases from air and and water?

Yes, soil is a complex mixture of mineral particles derived from weathered rock, organic matter from decaying plants and animals, water, air, and living organisms. These components interact to form a dynamic and fertile environment that supports plant growth and sustains life.