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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 can move rocks and soil?

Natural forces such as wind, water, and ice can move rocks and soil through processes like erosion. Human activities like construction and mining can also move rocks and soil when heavy machinery is used.

What happens to stomata when the soil an air are dry and how does this help the plant?

When the soil and air are dry, plants close their stomata to prevent excessive water loss through transpiration. Closing the stomata helps the plant conserve water and maintain hydration levels within its cells to survive drought conditions.

What is the wearing away of rock by water and wind?

The wearing away of rock by water and wind is called erosion. This process occurs over time as water and wind break down and transport rock particles, shaping the Earth's surface.

What should you do with the wheelbarrow of soil removed from the first hole?

You can use the soil for filling other holes, leveling uneven ground, or creating garden or flower beds. Alternatively, you can dispose of it in a designated area for soil disposal.

Why does mushrooms form in soil?

Mushrooms spread from a kind of seed known as a spore. When conditions are right for growth, the spore sprouts. Mushroom break down dead and decaying matter. Unlike green plants, they produce no food of their own, but help decompose other things.

What soil layer is the result of leaching with very light soil?

The soil layer that results from leaching with very light soil is the eluviation or E horizon. This layer is characterized by the loss of minerals and organic matter, leaving behind a pale-colored soil with low nutrient content.

How will the continuous planting and harvesting of corn most likely affect the soil in which it is grown?

Continuous planting and harvesting of corn can deplete the soil of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, leading to decreased soil fertility over time. This can result in reduced crop yields and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Implementing crop rotation and proper fertilizer management can help mitigate these negative impacts on the soil.

What type of standing water habitat in which the soil is acidic and decay is slow is called?

The type of standing water habitat you are referring to is likely a bog. Bogs are characterized by acidic soil, low oxygen levels, and slow decomposition rates, leading to the accumulation of peat moss.

What are the advantages of leaching?

Leaching can help extract valuable metals from ore, reduce environmental impact by avoiding mining operations, and be a cost-effective method for processing low-grade ores. Additionally, it allows for metal recovery from otherwise inaccessible or hard-to-process resources.

What type of soil Connecticut's has?

Connecticut has mostly fertile soil with a mix of sand, silt, and clay. The soil composition varies across different regions of the state but generally supports agriculture and vegetation growth. Organic matter content tends to be moderate to high in most areas.

What is Georgia's soil like?

Georgia's soil varies depending on the region, but it is generally characterized by a mix of clay, sand, silt, and loam. In the northern part of the state, the soil tends to be more rocky and acidic, while in the southern part, it is more sandy and fertile. Georgia's soil is important for agriculture and supports a wide range of crops such as peanuts, peaches, and cotton.

How is nitrogen returned to the soil after it has been converted into proteins?

Nitrogen is returned to the soil through the decomposition of proteins by microorganisms. When plants or animals die, their proteins are broken down into amino acids and then into ammonium (NH4+) by decomposers, completing the nitrogen cycle. Ammonium can be further converted into nitrites and nitrates, which are available for plant uptake.

Is clay soil permeable?

Clay soil is typically not very permeable due to its small particle size and tendency to compact easily. Water drains slowly through clay soil, leading to poor drainage and potential waterlogging. Improving clay soil can involve adding organic matter to help create a more permeable structure.

Why is there so little soil of the earth?

Soil formation is a slow process that requires the breakdown of rocks and organic matter over time. Factors like erosion, weathering, and geological events can also deplete soil. Additionally, human activities such as deforestation and overfarming can further contribute to soil degradation.

What is the soil quality of tundra?

Tundra soil quality is generally poor, with low nutrient content and organic matter due to the cold temperatures and short growing season. The soil is often acidic and frozen for most of the year, limiting plant growth and decomposition of organic matter.

What are living things that live in soil?

Living things that live in soil include earthworms, ants, beetles, bacteria, fungi, and various types of microorganisms. These organisms play important roles in the soil ecosystem by breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients, and aerating the soil.

How does the B horizon receive materials from the layer above?

The B horizon is a layer in the standard soil structure. It is what is generally thought of as subsoil. Plant roots reach into this layer, adding biomass, and it receives minerals like iron as well as clays leached from the above layers.

Which materials typically make up the A horizon in soil?

The A horizon, or topsoil, is typically composed of a mixture of mineral particles (sand, silt, clay), organic matter (humus), water, and air. The organic matter in this layer is a key component that influences soil fertility and overall soil health.

What device invented by John Deere that permitted farmers to till the hard and dry soil of the west?

The steel plow was the device invented by John Deere that allowed farmers to till the hard and dry soil of the west more efficiently. By replacing the existing cast-iron plows with this steel version, farmers were able to break through tough prairie sod and cultivate the land more effectively.

How soil can damage by Overcultivation?

Overcultivation can lead to soil degradation by causing erosion, loss of soil nutrients, compaction, decreased soil fertility, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. This can result in reduced crop yields and long-term damage to the soil's health and productivity.

Is erosion when rocks and soil are moved?

Erosion is the process of wearing away and breaking down rocks and soil through the action of wind, water, or ice, leading to their movement from one place to another.

How would you separate different sizes of gravel from the side of the school pond or different sized grains of soil?

One common method is to use a series of screens with different mesh sizes. Pour the mixture onto the screens, and shake or manually separate the materials based on size. Another option is to use a water flotation method, where lighter materials float to the top and can be skimmed off while heavier materials sink to the bottom, allowing for separation.

What soil is suitable for sesame?

Sesame plants grow best in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH level. Sandy loam or loamy soil types are ideal for sesame cultivation as they provide good drainage and aeration for the plants' root systems. Additionally, soil that is rich in organic matter can help promote healthy growth and higher yields for sesame crops.

What determins healthy soil?

Healthy soil is determined by factors such as adequate levels of organic matter, good soil structure, diverse microbial life, balanced nutrient levels, and proper pH levels. These factors contribute to the soil's ability to support plant growth, resist erosion, retain water, and maintain overall ecosystem balance.

What is the name of the method where plants are used to extract metals from soil?

Phytomining is the method where plants are used to extract metals from the soil. This process allows the plants to absorb metals through their roots, which can then be harvested and processed to extract the metals. It is an environmentally friendly method that can be used to recover valuable metals from low-grade ore deposits.