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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 does an earthquake do to saturated soil?

An earthquake can cause saturated soil to liquefy, lose strength, and flow like a liquid instead of a solid. This can lead to ground shaking more intensely, causing buildings and structures to sink or tilt. It can also trigger landslides and create hazardous conditions for buildings and infrastructure.

How do soils sustain life?

Soils sustain life by providing a habitat for organisms such as plants, fungi, bacteria, and insects. They also serve as a medium for plant roots to obtain water, nutrients, and support for growth. Additionally, soils help regulate the water cycle and store carbon, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem stability.

Is it safe to put a candle in sand?

Yes, but the sand might not support the candle very well, and if the lighted candle were to fall over, there might be a fire danger depending upon where it is located and what materials, other than the sand, surround it. Putting a candle in sand at the beach, for example, would be no problem at all even if the lighted candle were to fall over. But putting a candle in a bowl of sand on the dining room table would be risky because if the lighted candle were to fall over it might cause a fire. Of course, if you don't intend to light the candle, putting it in sand is perfectly safe.

What type of soil can handle rain?

Sandy soil tends to drain well and handle rain better than clay soil, which can become waterlogged and lead to issues like poor aeration and root rot in plants. Loamy soil, with a mix of sand, silt, and clay, offers good drainage while still retaining some moisture, making it a versatile choice for handling rain. Adequate organic matter and proper soil structure also play a role in helping soil manage rainfall effectively.

What to do with your extra clay soil?

You can amend your clay soil by adding compost or organic matter to improve drainage and aeration. You can also plant trees or shrubs that are adapted to clay soil to make use of it in your garden. Alternatively, you can donate your extra clay soil to community gardens or local landscaping projects.

How does different types of bacteria act to increase nitrate concentration in the soil?

Different types of bacteria, such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, convert ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate through the process of nitrification. These bacteria play a crucial role in increasing nitrate concentrations in the soil by oxidizing nitrogen compounds, making them more available for plant uptake. The presence of these bacteria can be beneficial for agricultural productivity but can also lead to environmental issues such as nitrate leaching into water sources.

Why does harvesting crops on farms lower the level of nitrates in the soil?

Harvesting crops removes the plant material that has taken up nitrates from the soil for growth. This reduces the overall amount of nitrates in the soil because the plants are no longer present to continue absorbing nitrates from the soil. Without the plants to utilize the nitrates, the levels decrease over time.

How can you increase soils ability to hold water?

In order for soil to increase its ability to hold water it must have a higher amount of clay present in it.

The more clay present in the soil, the more water it will hold. The opposite to this is how sandy or grainy the soil is, if it is too sandy then it will not hold water very well.

How fertilizers and pesticides cause soil pollution?

Fertilizers contain high levels of nutrients that can leach into the soil and water bodies, leading to nutrient imbalances and harmful algal blooms. Pesticides can persist in the soil, affecting soil organisms and disrupting the ecosystem. Both fertilizers and pesticides can also contaminate groundwater and surface water, leading to soil pollution.

Which is a pair of opposing forces that act on water and gose down through the soil?

The pair of opposing forces that act on water moving down through the soil are gravity pulling the water downwards and capillary action which moves water upwards against gravity due to adhesion and cohesion forces in the soil pores.

C horizon contains organic matter?

The C horizon does not typically contain organic matter, as it is primarily composed of weathered rock material. Instead, organic matter is more commonly found in the upper A horizon of the soil profile.

Why crops grown in sandy soil need frequent irrigation than the crop grown in clayey soilcrops grown in sandy soil need frequent irrigation than the crop grown in clayey soil?

Because the pore space (the space between soil particles) in sandy soil is so much larger. In sandy soils, the water is drawn by gravity downward and away from the roots quite easily, but in clay soils, the pore space is so much smaller that capillary action holds the water much more tightly. This is the same reason that clay soils flood more easily and take longer to dry out.

When is top soil used?

Top soil is used for landscaping projects, gardening, and agriculture. It is important for providing a healthy environment for plants to grow by supplying nutrients, retaining moisture, and supporting root development.

Can you grow corn in clay soil?

Yes, you can grow corn in clay soil, but it may require some additional work. Adding organic matter such as compost or manure to the soil can help improve drainage and fertility. It's also important to ensure proper soil pH and choose corn varieties that are suitable for clay soil conditions.

What is another name for the B horizon?

The B horizon is also known as the subsoil. It is typically found beneath the A horizon (topsoil) and consists of minerals leached down from the upper layers.

What kind soil does Florida have?

Florida has a variety of soil types due to its diverse geographical landscape. Some common soil types found in Florida include sand, muck, clay, and marl. These soils vary in composition and characteristics depending on the region within the state.

Where alluvial soil found in India?

Alluvial soil is found in the Indo-Gangetic plains, along major river basins like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus. It is also found in river deltas such as the deltas of the Ganges-Brahmaputra, the Godavari, and the Krishna rivers. These regions have fertile alluvial soil due to the periodic flooding and deposition of sediments by the rivers.

What kind of soil has significant amounts of sand silt and clay?

its called clay loam. A true loam is approximately 40% each of sand and silt and 20% clay. This mineral mixture should be 92% of your soil and 8% organic material for your best growing mixture.

What are the types of soils found in Agra?

The types of soils found in Agra, India, include alluvial soil, sandy soil, and loamy soil. Alluvial soil is the most common and fertile type found in the region due to its deposition by the rivers Yamuna and Ganges. Sandy soil is well-drained but less fertile, while loamy soil is a mix of sand, silt, and clay and is ideal for agriculture.

What do farmers use to make the soil more productive?

This depends on the basic soil condition and what type of plants you wish to grow. It the soil is in poor condition then humus,compost or other conditioners would improve the soil structure.

Once the soil structure is sorted out apply fertilizer to the manufacturers instructions.

Why do soluble salts accumulate the surface of some soils?

Well you see... the extragalactic nebulae influence the surface temperature of the soil creating a spontaneous supernova thus interacting with the inorganic scientifical compunds creating solube salts that are found in blackholes.

What type of soil is found in the A horizon?

The A horizon, also known as topsoil, typically contains a mixture of organic matter, minerals, and nutrients. It is characterized by a dark color and is rich in minerals that support plant growth. The texture of the soil can vary but is generally loamy, providing good drainage and aeration for plants.

What group of organisms take material out of the soil?

Decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and some invertebrates help break down organic material in the soil, releasing nutrients for plants to use. These organisms play a vital role in nutrient cycling by decomposing dead plants and animals.

A condition in which the soil permanently frozen is called?

Permafrost. It is a layer of ground that remains continuously frozen for two or more years, commonly found in polar regions and high mountainous areas. This frozen condition presents challenges for construction, agriculture, and infrastructure development in these regions.

Does soil rapidly cool at night?

Yes, soil can cool down rapidly at night due to the loss of heat through radiation. This is because soil has low heat capacity and conductivity, which allows it to cool quickly once the sun sets.