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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

Why can rich soil be considered a non renewable resource?

Rich soil can be considered a non-renewable resource because it can take hundreds to thousands of years to form through natural processes such as weathering and organic matter decomposition. Human activities like deforestation, intensive agriculture, and urbanization can degrade or deplete rich soil faster than it can be replenished, making it non-renewable on a human timescale.

Why is it important for farmers to prevent soil erosion?

Farmers need to prevent soil erosion to protect the fertility of the soil and ensure sustained crop productivity. Erosion can wash away topsoil, which contains essential nutrients for plant growth, and harm the overall health of the soil ecosystem. Preventing erosion also helps retain water and reduce sediment runoff, which can contaminate waterways and degrade the environment.

Where does organic matter in soil come from?

Organic material in the soil usually comes from decomposed plants or animals that died there. Their nutrients that have built up as they were living get transferred into the soil when they break down.

Why plants grow faster in a soil?

When someone places compost in a compost pile, decomposers such as worms, or bacteria eat and poop out the compost you through into the pile. The decomposer's poop is very fertile and has a ton of nutrients for a plant to help it grow. Compost helps plants grow because it makes the soil more nutrient rich so the plant can absorb more minerals which helps it grow.
The answer is food. Compost is natures fertilizer Compost also has the benefit of adding organic matter to the soil. Always make sure you use composted material because some green or uncomposted material can actually rob the soil of nutrients as it decomposes. Leaves are a safe uncomposted material just dont use to much.

Now my answer was based the fact you were putting the compost around existing plants but if you have a garden that is dormant and have a tiller you can till the uncomposted material in then plant the next spring.

Is soil a herbivore?

No, soil is not a living organism and therefore cannot be classified as a herbivore. Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air that provides nutrients for plants to grow. Herbivores are animals that primarily feed on plants or vegetation.

You measure the pH of your garden soil and find that it is 6. How much greater is the concentration of hydrogen ions in peat moss than in the garden soil?

ph is a base 10 logarithm where 7 is considered neutral. Change from 6 to 4 is 2 full places or 10X10 or 100 times more acidic than 6. If you were measuring from neutral 7 to 4 it would be 10X10X10 or 1000X acidic.

When does soil get darker in color?

Soil can become darker in color due to the accumulation of organic matter such as decomposing plant material, which adds humus and increases soil fertility. Microorganisms break down this organic matter and release substances that can darken the soil. Additionally, the addition of compost or organic fertilizers can also make the soil darker in color.

What is the link between sun and soil?

The sun provides energy for photosynthesis, which allows plants to grow and develop in the soil. Sunlight also influences soil temperature, moisture levels, and microbial activity, all of which are crucial for healthy soil and plant growth. Ultimately, the sun plays a vital role in the ecosystem by driving the processes that sustain plant life in the soil.

What equipment is used during subsoil investigation?

Equipment used during subsoil investigation include drill rigs for boring soil samples, soil sampling tools like augers and corers, geophysical equipment for assessing soil properties, water level indicators, and surveying tools for mapping. Additionally, laboratory equipment is used for analyzing soil samples collected during the investigation.

How is soil made of?

Soil is made of a combination of mineral particles (such as sand, silt, and clay), organic matter (decaying plant and animal material), air, water, and living organisms like bacteria, fungi, and worms. It forms through weathering and decomposition processes over time. These components interact to create a complex, dynamic ecosystem that is essential for supporting plant growth and sustaining life on Earth.

Which is easier to change the soil texture or structure?

It is generally easier to change the soil texture than the soil structure. Soil texture can be transformed through the addition of amendments like sand, silt, or clay. Soil structure, on the other hand, refers to how particles are arranged and bonded, making it more challenging to alter without time and proper soil management practices.

What is the the dominant soil found in the Piedmont region?

The dominant soil found in the Piedmont region is typically a mixture of clay, silt, and sand known as Ultisols. These soils are highly weathered and acidic, making them less fertile for agriculture compared to other soil types.

Why sandy soil is well aerated and light in weight?

Sandy soil has large particles with gaps between them, allowing for good air circulation and drainage. The lack of fine particles means the soil is lighter in weight compared to soils with more clay or silt content.

What is the relationship trash is to garbage as soil is to dirt?

Trash and garbage are often used interchangeably to refer to waste, while soil and dirt can also be synonyms for the same thing. However, soil is typically used in a more scientific or agricultural context to describe the upper layer of earth suitable for plants, while dirt is more commonly used in casual conversation to refer to any type of soil or earth.

What type of soil does the pineywoods have?

The Pineywoods region typically has sandy, acidic soil with low fertility. The soil is often well-draining due to its sand content, which can make it challenging for certain plants that require more moisture or nutrients to thrive.

What soil horizon contains hardpan?

Hardpan is commonly found in the B horizon of the soil profile. This dense, compacted layer restricts water movement and root penetration. It can hinder plant growth and affect drainage in the soil.

What type of soil do tomatoes like?

Tomatoes prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. Adding compost or aged manure can help improve soil quality for growing healthy tomato plants.

Why do gardeners mix sand into soil?

This improves the drainage of the soil

A certain amount of sand in the soil helps drainage, so water is less likely to pool at the plant roots -- a situation which can increase incidences of fungal or other root infections. It can also loosen the texture of the soil, making it easier for roots to grow outwards from the plant.

What is type of dense soil?

One type of dense soil is clay soil, which is composed of very fine particles that stack closely together to create a dense and heavy texture. This type of soil holds water well but can be challenging for plant roots to penetrate.

What things are required to make fertile soil?

Fertile soil is made up of organic matter, beneficial microorganisms, essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and a balanced pH level. Incorporating compost, manure, cover crops, and crop rotation can help improve soil fertility by replenishing nutrients and enhancing soil structure. Adequate moisture and aeration are also essential for promoting microbial activity and nutrient availability in the soil.

Does dirt move?

Generally Dirt or Loam is the byproduct of broken down organic material. Lik if you compost you will end up with a rich, dark substance usually called dirt or loam. It is rich in nutrients and good to plant with. Dirt in your yard is probably mixed with sand which is a more crystalline type substance. Glass is made from melting sand. My answer would be no - dirt cannot be melted but it can be baked and then it will crumble to ash

What is the basic constituent of all organic matter?

Carbon is the basic constituent of all organic matter. Organic compounds are made up of carbon in combination with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements.

Why should soil nutrients be replenished from time to time?

Soil nutrients should be replenished from time to time to ensure that plants have access to essential elements for healthy growth. As plants absorb nutrients from the soil, over time the nutrient levels can become depleted, resulting in decreased plant growth and productivity. Replenishing soil nutrients can help maintain fertility, improve soil structure, and promote overall plant health.

How can you stop the increase of soil salinity?

To stop the increase of soil salinity, you can implement practices such as proper irrigation management, using drought-tolerant plants, planting cover crops, and applying gypsum to help leach out excess salts. Proper drainage systems can also help prevent the buildup of salts in the soil.

What is soil horizonation?

Soil horizonation refers to the different layers, or horizons, that make up a soil profile. These layers are differentiated based on their composition, color, texture, and other characteristics. By studying soil horizonation, scientists can better understand the formation and properties of soil.