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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 damages soil?

Soil can be damaged by erosion, pollution, compaction, loss of organic matter, and contamination from chemicals and heavy metals. These factors can reduce soil fertility, water holding capacity, and overall productivity. It is essential to practice sustainable land management to protect and maintain healthy soil for future generations.

What holds in the soil and collects water and minerals from the soil?

Roots of plants hold in the soil and collect water and minerals from the soil through a process called root absorption. The root system of plants helps to anchor the plant in the soil and absorb essential nutrients for growth and development.

Where can caliche dirt be found?

Caliche dirt can be found in arid or semi-arid regions, typically in places with low rainfall. It is commonly found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of South America. Caliche forms when calcium carbonate accumulates in the soil over time, resulting in a hard, cement-like layer.

What is permanently frozen layer of soil beneath the surface of the ground?

Permafrost is a permanently frozen layer of soil, rock, and sediment beneath the Earth's surface. It remains below 0°C for at least two consecutive years, usually found in polar regions or at high elevations. Due to climate change, permafrost is thawing at an accelerated rate, causing various environmental impacts such as landslides, thawing of ancient organic matter, and release of greenhouse gases.

How can rich soil benefit the economy of a region?

Rich soil can benefit the economy of a region by supporting agriculture, leading to increased crop yields and higher quality produce. This can create jobs in farming, food processing, and distribution, as well as contribute to local economic growth through the sale of agricultural products. Additionally, fertile soil can attract investment in agriculture-related industries and contribute to food security and self-sufficiency in the region.

What is lack of fertile soil in the Bahamas?

The Bahamas have a limited amount of fertile soil due to their composition of mainly limestone and rocky terrain. This makes it challenging for agriculture to thrive on the islands without extensive soil enrichment and irrigation. Additionally, the tropical climate and frequent hurricanes further deplete the soil's nutrients, making sustainable agriculture a significant challenge in the Bahamas.

How does soil act as a buffer?

acidity is measured in the presence of (H+) ions, whereas a base is measured in the presence of (OH) ions. soil has more (OH) ions so when an acid (such as acid rain) sifts through it, the raid becomes more neutral due to the (OH) ions canceling out the mass amounts of (H+) ions

What are solutions for soil pollution?

Solutions, therefore, involve not just removing a source of pollution but also cleaning up and restoring the polluted area. Adding to the complexity of soil pollution is nonpoint source pollution (NSP), which enters the environment through runoff. Take any action at your disposal to reduce soil pollution, as you may not always find a clearly defined source.

How do farmers protect the mineral content of the soil?

Farmers protect the mineral content of the soil by practicing crop rotation, using cover crops, applying organic matter such as compost or manure, and avoiding overuse of chemical fertilizers. These practices help maintain soil health and fertility, allowing nutrients to be readily available for plants to uptake.

What erodes faster clay soil or sandy soil?

I would think that sandy soil would erode the fastest because it is lightweight and it really doesn't stick to anything. Clay soil sinks, and it would take an awful lot of water pressure to get rid of it.

How have the landforms climate and soils effected grain farming in Oceania?

land forms have to be leveled in order to perform agriculture practices and the ground cannot have unfertilized soil or else the plants will nt grow as healthy or grow as a mattter of fact, the limat has to be suttable for the plants growing needs, if it's tooo hot or too cold it may screw up the growing process

Why sand gets warmer t?

Sand gets warmer in the sun because it absorbs the sunlight energy, converting it into heat. The particles in the sand absorb the sunlight and the energy is transferred to the sand's molecules, causing them to vibrate faster, which results in an increase in temperature.

What decay plants add to new soil?

Decaying plants add organic matter to the soil, which helps improve its structure, fertility, and water retention capacity. This organic matter also provides essential nutrients for plant growth and helps support the diverse ecosystem of beneficial microbes and organisms in the soil.

Is garden soil the same as loam soil?

No, garden soil and loam soil are not the same. Garden soil is a generic term for any soil used in gardening, while loam soil is a specific type of soil that is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, often considered ideal for plant growth due to its good drainage and fertility.

What soils are volcanic?

Volcanic soils are formed by the weathering and decomposition of volcanic rock and ash. They are typically rich in minerals and nutrients, making them fertile for agriculture. Some examples of volcanic soils include andisols, ultisols, and inceptisols.

Examples of soil pllution?

Soil pollution examples include contamination from heavy metals such as lead and mercury, pesticides and herbicides, industrial chemicals like PCBs and solvents, and waste disposal such as plastic and oil. These pollutants can disrupt soil ecosystems, harm plant and animal life, and potentially impact human health through the food chain.

Does soil form in clumps?

Yes, soil can form clumps due to the aggregation of soil particles. This aggregation process is influenced by factors such as organic matter content, soil texture, and microbial activity. Clumped soil structure can improve water infiltration and root penetration.

How would the type of soil in an area near a fault affect the areas suitability for development of high-rise residences?

The type of soil near a fault is crucial in determining the area's suitability for high-rise residences. Soft or loose soil can amplify the intensity of ground shaking in an earthquake, increasing the risk of structural damage. Hard, stable soil is preferable as it provides better support for tall buildings and reduces the risk of structural failure during seismic events. Conducting a thorough soil analysis is essential to ensure the safety and stability of high-rise constructions near faults.

How is soil formed on earth?

Soil is formed through the process of weathering, which involves the breaking down of rocks and minerals into smaller particles by physical, chemical, and biological processes. Over time, these particles mix with organic matter and nutrients, creating the fertile layer of soil that supports plant growth. Soil formation is a slow process that can take thousands to millions of years, depending on various factors such as climate, topography, and parent material.

Why are trees important in preventing soil erosion?

Trees play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with their roots, reducing surface runoff and slowing down water flow. The canopy of trees also helps protect the soil from the impact of heavy rainfall, thereby minimizing erosion. Additionally, fallen leaves and branches from trees act as a natural mulch, further protecting the soil from erosion.

What are all uses of fertile soil?

it helps plants grow properly with all the nutrients it needs.

Is soil a renewable or nonrenewable resource or inexhaustible?

Soil is considered a renewable resource because it can be replenished through natural processes like decomposition and erosion, as well as through human efforts like sustainable agriculture and land management practices.

Can Soil turn in to a rock?

yes. Over very long periods of time, soils build up. They are eventually submerged by younger soils. When enough is built up, the lower soils are placed under ever increasing weight and pressure. Eventually, that heat and pressure recrystallize the soil constituents and rock is formed. This final process of forming rock is called lithification.

Does weathering produce soil?

Yes, weathering is a process that breaks down rocks into smaller particles, contributing to the formation of soil. Physical and chemical weathering both play a role in the transformation of rocks into soil over time.

Why constant head test is not suitable for fine grained soil such as clay?

Constant head tests are not suitable for fine-grained soils like clay because these soils have very low permeability, which makes it difficult for water to flow through them steadily at a constant rate. In such soils, the water flow will be significantly influenced by the soil structure and the presence of clay particles, leading to inaccurate test results. It is more appropriate to use falling head tests for fine-grained soils to account for their low permeability.