Soil

Window screen sifted dry clayey soil in Houston, TX that has been fully water saturated and then allowed to drip until no water will drip out of it, will be approximately 37% water and 63% soil by weight.

1/4" screen sifted dry clayey soil in Houston, TX that has been fully water saturated and then allowed to drip until no water will drip out of it, will be approximately 31% water and 69% soil by weight.

Note: There are many different types of clay soils, so if accuracy is important to you, then you should test your clay.

Answer 1:

It has to do with porosity; which in turn has a lot to do with particle size and the way particles pack together.

In a sand, the particles are relatively large and rounded in shape.

They tend to pack together with a lot of space between them, for water to run through. The larger the particles, the greater the spaces between them (think of a container of marbles).

Clay, on the other hand, is composed of tiny particles that are platy, and they tend to stick together, making it difficult for water to pass between them (think of a pile of playing cards, all lying together).

Mars doesn't have much soil because its thin atmosphere and lack of protective magnetic field allow solar winds to strip away the surface materials over time. The soil that does exist on Mars is regolith, a layer of loose material that is rocky and not as nutrient-rich as Earth's soil.

Plants growing in sandy soil often develop deep and extensive root systems to anchor themselves and reach deeper moisture levels. These roots also have finer, hair-like structures to increase water and nutrient absorption from the porous soil. Additionally, plants may have adaptations to store water in their tissues to cope with the fast-draining nature of sandy soil.

Alluvial soil is rich in humus but deficient in nitrogen and potash. It is loamy, consisting of the fertile silt deposited by the rivers. Red soil is rich in iron content and is formed by the weathering of ancient crystalline and metamorphic rocks. It is porous and friable in nature.

When a volcano erupts, it releases ash and lava containing minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. These minerals enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients for plants to grow. Over time, as the volcanic material breaks down, it creates fertile soil that supports lush plant growth.

Soil is composed of minerals, organic matter (such as decomposed plants and animals), water, air, and living organisms. These components interact to provide a medium for plant growth and support various ecosystems on Earth.

Cocoa trees thrive in well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 6 and 7. Sandy loam or loamy soil types with good water retention capability are ideal for cocoa tree growth.

Loose, sandy soil is most affected by the wind as it is easily eroded and transported by the force of the wind. The lack of cohesion between sand particles makes it more vulnerable to being carried away by strong winds.

No, the rate of soil formation is typically slower in colder areas due to decreased biological activity, slower decomposition of organic matter, and reduced weathering of rock and minerals. Cold climates also often have shorter growing seasons, limiting the input of organic material into the soil.

Bedrock weathers, and rock breaks up into soil particles.

Wind erosion can lower the value of soil by stripping away the topsoil, which is rich in nutrients necessary for plant growth. This process can lead to decreased soil productivity, increased susceptibility to drought, and reduced land fertility. Ultimately, wind erosion can result in diminished crop yields and agricultural sustainability.

Soil is the upper layer of the earth's surface, composed of mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air. It is valuable because it supports plant growth, which is essential for sustaining life on Earth. Soil also plays a vital role in filtering water, storing carbon, and providing habitats for numerous organisms.

This process is known as erosion and transportation. Rocks and sediments are carried by the moving water and deposited in different areas along the river's path. Over time, this can lead to the formation of new landforms and landscapes.

The soil type in the North American prairie is typically known as Mollisols, which are deep, dark, nutrient-rich soils that are fertile and well-suited for agriculture. These soils have high organic matter content and a thick top layer due to the decomposition of grasses over centuries.

Top soil has the enriched ingredients required for growing all the multitudinous plant life which is required to sustain life on the planet. And you can thank the lowly earth worm whose casings (poop) create that top soil.

Lightning can create vitrified or fused sand known as fulgurites when it strikes sandy soil. Fulgurites are glassy tubular structures formed by the extreme heat of the lightning bolt melting the sand and rapidly cooling it. Lightning strikes can also affect soil structure and composition by altering nutrient availability and microbial activity.

Adding soil to fertilizers can improve the physical characteristics of the fertilizer mix, such as moisture retention and structure. Soil can act as a carrier for the nutrients in the fertilizer, helping to release them slowly over time. Additionally, soil can provide microbes and organic matter that help improve soil health and nutrient availability to plants.

Decayed organic material in soil is called humus. Humus is rich in nutrients and helps improve soil structure, fertility, and water retention.

In humid climates, the soil tends to be rich in organic matter due to the increased vegetation growth and decomposition. The soil may also be more acidic and have good water retention properties. Factors such as rainfall, temperature, and vegetation influence soil formation in humid regions.

Clay has the ability to absorb water the best

Silt loam, tend to have the greatest available water holding capacity.

Ref - http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/Soilfacts/AG-439-77W.pdf

Clay soil retains the greatest amount of water due to its small particle size and high water-holding capacity. Sand soil has larger particles and lower water retention capacity. Silt soil falls in between clay and sand in terms of water retention.

Water heats up faster than soil because it has a lower heat capacity, meaning it requires less energy to raise its temperature. Additionally, water is a better conductor of heat than soil, allowing it to distribute heat more efficiently throughout its volume.

Subsoil water is water that is located below the uppermost soil layer, known as topsoil, in the ground. It is found in the layer of soil beneath the topsoil and contributes to groundwater recharge. Subsoil water is essential for sustaining plant growth and maintaining soil moisture levels.

Soil erosion is largely influenced by human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and improper land use practices. By implementing soil conservation measures like terracing, contour plowing, and maintaining vegetative cover, humans can effectively control and reduce soil erosion rates. However, complete control over soil erosion is difficult to achieve as natural factors like rainfall and slope gradient also play a role.

the thing that makes ideal farm soil is that the farmers take off their pants and pee in the fields which makes for exceptional soil because of all the yellow (or different colors) in the pee.