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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 soil does lotus grow best?
Lotus plants grow best in loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and well-draining. They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth. A sandy or silty substrate is also suitable for lotus plants as long as it is nutrient-rich.
What is the amount soil to grow plants?
The amount of soil needed to grow plants depends on the size of the plant and its root system. Generally, plants need enough soil to accommodate their roots without becoming root-bound. It's important to provide adequate depth and volume of soil to support healthy plant growth.
How is soil useful for living things?
Soil is essential for living things because it provides nutrients, support, and moisture for plants to grow. It also houses a diverse community of organisms that help decompose organic matter, recycle nutrients, and maintain soil structure. Additionally, soil plays a crucial role in the carbon and water cycles, which are important for sustaining life on Earth.
How can soil erosion cause floods?
Soil erosion can cause floods by removing the natural protective cover of vegetation on the land, which reduces the soil's ability to absorb water. This leads to increased runoff and sedimentation in rivers and streams, which can block water flow and increase the risk of flooding during heavy rain events.
What are the reasons of taking soil sample accuraetly?
Taking soil samples accurately is important to ensure that the results are representative of the entire area. Proper sampling techniques help to reduce variability in the data, allowing for more accurate analysis. This ensures that any corrective measures or recommendations based on the soil test results are appropriate for the specific area.
Why farmers need to know how basic or acidic the soil?
Plants grow better in soil with the PH (acid-base) they have adapted to.
The acidity or the alkalinity of the soil is important to know in order to grow a particular plant.
Some plants want a acidic soil and some want a basic soil. However, most plants prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil. So, it is important for the farmers to know what type of soil it is in order to balance or neutralize the soil. They should know what type of inorganic substance/fertilizer to add in order to neutralize the soil.
Is rendzina soil a podsol or a brown earth soil?
The main difference between rendzina and podsol is B horizon. There is no B horizon in rendzina podsol which is termed as illuvial zone where leaching is most effective. Brown earth soil usually occurs when soil pore space are filled with air. This depends on rainfall , in podsol rainfall is usually higher and so water moves downwards filling the pores with water. Rendzina horizon has more air spaces and so the color is usually brown.
The limestone is more easily weathered than quartzite, leading to the formation of thicker soil above it. Limestone is more prone to chemical weathering, which breaks it down and creates a thicker layer of soil over time compared to the more resistant quartzite.
How does the temperature affect the pH of vinegar?
Temperature can affect the pH of vinegar by influencing the rate of chemical reactions in the solution. Higher temperatures can increase the rate of reactions, potentially affecting the equilibrium between acidic and basic components in vinegar and thus the pH. However, the overall impact of temperature on pH may vary depending on the specific conditions and concentrations of the components in the vinegar solution.
What are the effects of soil eroison?
Sheet and Rill Erosion
Sheet erosion is soil movement from raindrop splash resulting in the breakdown of soil surface structure and surface runoff; it occurs rather uniformly over the slope and may go unnoticed until most of the productive topsoil has been lost. Rill erosion results when surface runoff concentrates forming small yet well-defined channels (Figure 1). These channels are called rills when they are small enough to not interfere with field machinery operations. The same eroded channels are known as gullies when they become a nuisance factor in normal tillage.
Figure 1. Both sheet and rill erosion are occurring on this field.
Gully Erosion
There are farms in Ontario that are losing large quantities of topsoil and subsoil each year due to fully erosion (Figure 2). Surface runoff, causing gull formation or the enlarging of existing gullies, is usually the result of improper outlet design for local surface and subsurface drainage systems. The soil instability of fully banks, usually associated with seepage of ground water, leads to sloughing and slumping (caving-in) of bank slopes. Such failures usually occur during spring months when the soil water conditions are most conducive to the problem.
Figure 2. Gullying like this can be stopped by employing proper control measures.
Gully formations can be difficult to control if remedial measures are not designed and properly constructed. Control measures have to consider the cause of the increased flow of water across the landscape. This where the multitude of conservation measures come into play. Operations with farm machinery adjacent to gullies can be quite hazardous when cropping or attempting to reclaim lost land. (See OMAFRA Fact sheet- Gully Erosion Control)
Stream and Ditch Bank ErosionPoor construction, or inadequate maintenance, of surface drainage systems, uncontrolled livestock access, and cropping too close to both stream banks has led to bank erosion problems.
Figure 3. Reshaping and vegetating this ditch bank would stabilize this soil erosion problem.
The direct damages from bank erosion include:
- The loss of productive farmland.
- The undermining of structures such as bridges.
- The washing out of lanes, roads and fence rows.
Poorly constructed tile outlets may also contribute to stream and ditch bank erosion. Some do not function properly because they have no rigid outlet pipe, or have outlet pipes that have been damaged by erosion, machinery, inadequate or no splash pads, and bank cave-ins.
On-Site Effects: The implications of soil erosion extend beyond the removal of valuable topsoil. Crop emergence, growth and yield are directly affected through the loss of natural nutrients and applied fertilizers with the soil. Seeds and plants can be disturbed or completely removed from the eroded site. Organic matter from the soil, residues and any applied manure, is relatively light-weight and can be readily transported off the field, particularly during spring thaw conditions. Pesticides may also be carried off the site with the eroded soil.
Soil quality, structure, stability and texture can be affected by the loss of soil. The breakdown of aggregates and the removal of smaller particles or entire layers of soil or organic matter can weaken the structure and even change the texture. Textural changes can in turn affect the water-holding capacity of the soil, making it more susceptible to extreme condition such a drought.
Off-Site Effects: Off-site impacts of soil erosion are not always as apparent as the on-site effects. Eroded soil, deposited down slope can inhibit or delay the emergence of seeds, bury small seedling and necessitate replanting in the affected areas. Sediment can be deposited on down slope properties and can contribute to road damage.
Sediment which reaches streams or watercourses can accelerate ban erosion, clog drainage ditches and stream channels, silt in reservoirs, cover fish spawning grounds and reduce downstream water quality. Pesticides and fertilizers, frequently transported along with the eroding soil can contaminate or pollute downstream water sources and recreational areas. Because of the potential seriousness of some of the off-site impacts, the control of "non-point" pollution from agricultural land has become of increasing importance in Ontario.
What are the bases that are uses to treat the soil?
Common bases used to treat soil include lime, calcium carbonate, and wood ash. These bases can help neutralize acidic soil, improve soil structure, and provide essential nutrients to plants. Application rates should be carefully calculated based on soil testing to avoid over-application.
How does nitrogen in the soil move into a cow?
nitrogen in soil is taken by the plants when that are growing. As cow eat plants these nitrogen present in the plants go inside cow body and converted into glucose for giving cow the energy to move etc...
Does Georgia have good soil quality?
Yes, Georgia has varying soil qualities due to its diverse geography. The state's soils can range from fertile and productive to less ideal for agriculture, depending on the region. Overall, Georgia's agricultural sector benefits from a mix of soil types that support a variety of crops.
Why best to plant in loan soil?
it is best because its texture is intermediate between sandy and clayey soli. sandy is easy to cutlivate but yet too porous to retain water and therefore most soil nutrients, since they are mostly in liquid form. while clayey has the highest water retention capacity but it gets easily waterlogged and therefore hard to cultivate. loamy has both advantageous properties of sandy and clayey and lacks any of their disadvantages. it is easy to cultivate, has good retention and is porous allowing its easily aeration and living of micro organisms which break down the soil even further and when they die, enrich the soil with their organic remains (humus).
What type of soil and climate do jute plant need to grow well?
Jute plants thrive in well-drained loamy or sandy soils with a pH range of 4.8 to 8.2. They require a hot and humid climate with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 35°C and a minimum of 5-8 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth. Jute plants also need a high level of rainfall, around 1500-2000 mm annually, to grow well.
Why does soil differ from one place to another?
Soil is essentially made up of decayed vegetable matter, tiny pieces of rock and other 'foreign' matter. The plant-life will vary from place to place, as will the composition of rocks and any 'foreign' matter.
Gardeners find that composting improves soil drainage, its ability to hold water and protects against pH level fluctuations. It is a safe, cost-saving way to enrich garden soil and fertilize lawns.
Which is the layer of soil that contains of weathered rocks?
The layer of soil that contains weathered rocks is the subsoil. This layer is located beneath the topsoil and consists of partially weathered rocks and minerals.
Why is it necessary to level the soil after ploughing?
Leveling the soil after ploughing helps create a uniform surface for planting or further agricultural activities. It improves water distribution, reduces erosion, and promotes even crop growth by ensuring consistent access to sunlight and nutrients across the field.
What type of soil is best suitable for flower production?
Loam soil is often considered best for flower production as it provides a balance of drainage and moisture retention, crucial for healthy plant growth. It also offers a good mix of sand, silt, and clay, allowing for proper aeration and nutrient uptake by the plants. Regular testing and amending of soil pH and nutrient levels can further enhance flower production.
Why well developed soil found mostly in low latitudes?
Well-developed soil is mostly found in low latitudes because these regions receive high amounts of rainfall and have warmer temperatures, which enhance the processes of soil formation and nutrient cycling. The combination of ample moisture, warmth, and biological activity leads to the accumulation of organic matter and minerals, resulting in fertile and well-structured soils.
Why should you study a soil profile?
Studying a soil profile can provide valuable information about the soil's composition, structure, and properties, which is essential for land management, agriculture, and environmental conservation. It can help determine soil quality, fertility, drainage capabilities, and potential uses for activities like farming, construction, or landscaping. Understanding the soil profile can also reveal information about past environmental conditions and human activities in an area.
What are the components of soil and their definition?
- Air
- Water
- Mineral Particles: The Mineral Side of Soil
- Organic Matter: A Soil's Best Friend
- Biology: An Underground Zoo
- air:Soil Air refers to the soil atmosphere, the gaseous phase of the soil that is neither solid nor liquid.
What is the objective of silt test?
The objective of a silt test is to determine the amount of silt present in a soil sample. This is important for assessing soil quality, fertility, and potential erosion risks.
