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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

Do forest increase or decrease soil erosion?

Forests generally reduce soil erosion because tree roots hold soil in place, reduce surface runoff, and slow down the movement of water. However, deforestation or disturbances like logging can increase soil erosion by removing the protective vegetation cover. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining healthy soil and preventing erosion.

What is the best climate for soil?

The best climate for soil is one that has a balance of rainfall and sunlight throughout the year. Soil needs water for nutrients to be transported to plants, as well as sunlight for photosynthesis. A temperate climate with moderate temperatures and consistent precipitation is ideal for soil health and fertility.

How do plants and animals contribute to soil formation?

Pretty simple, plants, just like animals need to eat to survive.

While most of these dietary needs are filled by photosynthesis (process of converting sunlight to use-able energy for the plant), not all of what the plant needs is gathered this way.

Plants tend to leech nutrients from the soil (hence the practice of crop rotation).

Also, soil absorbs water so that plants have more time to soak it up.

What part does water play in absorption of mineral salts from the soil?

Water dissolved mineral salts in the soil, facilitating their uptake by plant roots through a process called osmosis. Without water, plants would not be able to absorb essential nutrients from the soil. Additionally, water helps transport these nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant for growth and development.

Is sandy soil easy to dig?

Sandy soil is generally easier to dig compared to clay soil because of its loose and granular texture. The sand particles are not compacted together, making it less dense and requiring less effort to dig. However, sandy soil can also be prone to collapsing back into the hole or trench being dug due to its lack of cohesion.

What would happen to the earth if there were no soil?

If there were no soil on Earth, plant life would not be able to grow, leading to a breakdown in the whole ecosystem. Without plants, animals that rely on them for food and shelter would no longer survive, ultimately leading to a collapse in the entire food chain. Additionally, soil plays a crucial role in filtering and storing water, so the absence of soil could also lead to increased flooding and erosion.

What makes up the soil in the tundra?

Tundra soil is typically composed of a thin organic layer called the "active layer" and a layer of permafrost below. The active layer consists of decomposing plant material and is rich in organic matter, while the permafrost layer is permanently frozen soil that limits the depth of plant roots and microbial activity. These soil layers in the tundra play a crucial role in supporting the unique plant and animal life adapted to cold environments.

What type of environmental factors are water soil and temperature?

Water, soil, and temperature are considered abiotic environmental factors. These factors play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems and influencing the distribution of plant and animal species, as well as various physical and chemical processes in the environment.

How big are loam particles?

Loam particles are typically between 0.002-0.02 millimeters in size. They are larger than clay particles but smaller than silt and sand particles, giving loam soil a balanced combination of water retention and drainage characteristics.

What soil erodes faster sand or clay?

Sand tends to erode faster than clay because it has larger particles that are easily carried away by water or wind. Clay particles are smaller and more tightly packed together, making them more resistant to erosion.

What type of soil does a daffodil need to grow?

Daffodils thrive in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. They prefer soil that is rich in organic matter and not waterlogged to prevent rotting of bulbs. Adding compost or peat moss can help improve soil quality for daffodil growth.

What is the general pattern of distribution of organic matter in typical soil profile?

In a typical soil profile, organic matter content tends to decrease with depth. The highest concentration of organic matter is usually found in the topsoil layer, known as the A horizon. As you move deeper into the soil profile, the organic matter content decreases because of decomposition and mixing with mineral particles.

What type of soil is used for farming in the Bahamas?

The type of soil commonly used for farming in the Bahamas is sandy loam soil. This type of soil is well-draining, allows for good root development, and can retain moisture despite the hot and dry climate in the Bahamas. Farmers may also use organic matter and fertilizers to improve soil fertility for agriculture.

How many dump trucks will it take to move 3.9 million cubic yard of dirt?

It depends on the size of the dump trucks, but assuming a standard dump truck can hold about 10-15 cubic yards of dirt, it would take approximately 260,000 to 390,000 dump trucks to move 3.9 million cubic yards of dirt.

What is it called when rocks and soil in the Earth move suddenly?

It is called an earthquake when rocks and soil in the Earth move suddenly due to the release of energy along fault lines.

What type of soil is in Iraq?

Iraq's soil is primarily composed of three main types: clay soil, loamy soil, and sandy soil. These soils vary in their composition and characteristics, with clay soil being dominant in the central and southern regions, loamy soil in the north, and sandy soil in desert areas. These soils support a range of agricultural activities in the country.

How are nitrates leached from the soil?

Nitrogen and carbon bind together in decomposition. This is how compost is made. Nitrate leaching occurs when rain falls on soils whose available nitrogen exceeds soil carbon. This means that there is nothing for the nitrogen atoms to bind to in the soil, and so they are lost to the subsoil as water drains through. One solution to excessive nitrogen is to add highly carbonaceous materials such as wood chips to the problem area.

How is dirt dirty?

Dirt is considered dirty because it can contain bacteria, parasites, and other harmful pathogens that can cause illness or infections if it comes into contact with our bodies. It can also contain pollutants and toxins from various sources that can be harmful to human health and the environment.

What root helps stabilize soil from erosion?

Any plant will prevent soil erosion. It's in their nature. Plants known as "pioneer species" are perhaps best suited for erosion control as these plants have evolved to thrive in areas that have been disturbed by landslides or construction.

Does the recycling of nutrients take longer in water logged soils?

Its because when water hits the soil is grabs the nutrients and doesnt let go until it stops raining thats why it takes a long time. If it was me just stick it in the bin instead of on the ground ;) good tip ya lol

What is the layer in which all soil sits?

Soil scientists divide soil into horizons based on depth and soil make up. The O horizon, the very top layer right under the grass, is where the top soil is. This is the soil that is critical to human life.

Why most caves form by limestone?

Limestone is susceptible to dissolution by acidic water, which is common in most natural environments. Over time, this dissolution process carves out cavities underground, leading to the formation of caves. Additionally, limestone is a common and widespread rock type, which contributes to the prevalence of limestone caves.

How do living organisms in soil help?

Living organisms in soil help by breaking down organic matter, releasing nutrients that plants can absorb. They also improve soil structure, aeration, and water retention, which supports plant growth. In addition, some soil organisms can suppress plant pathogens and pests, contributing to overall ecosystem health.

When watering garden why are bubble coming out of the soil?

because air is beneath the soil and it absorbed the water so the air goes up and the water goes down.

No its because air is lighter than water so the air 'floats' on the water, bringing it to the top and creating bubbles

Why soil on top of hills shallow on the lower slopes soil is deeper?

The deeper soil on the lower slopes is a result of soil being washed down from the top of the hill by water which results from the precipitation of rain or snow. Soil can also be blown from the top of the hill by the wind and then redeposited in the lee of the hill and thus added to the deposits on the lower slopes.