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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

How much sand should you add to your garden?

No more than 50 percent of a given volume of soil can be represented by adding sand to a garden. Equal amounts of clay and of sand respectively contribute to nutrient retention on the one hand and to aeration and drainage on the other. They ensure that soil will have 50 percent occupancy by air and moisture pore spaces and 50 percent by minerals and organic matter.

Does acidic soil affect germination of seeds?

Yes, acidic soil can affect the germination of seeds by inhibiting the availability of certain nutrients essential for seed germination and seedling growth. It can also impact the activity of soil microorganisms that play a crucial role in the breakdown of organic matter and nutrient cycling, further affecting seed germination.

Why do farmers put decayed compost onto soil?

Farmers use decayed compost as fertilizer because it provides essential nutrients to the soil, helps improve soil structure, retains moisture, and promotes healthy microbial activity. This can lead to increased crop yields and overall soil health.

Why is the function of soil important?

Soil is important because it provides essential nutrients for plants to grow, supports diverse ecosystems by hosting a variety of organisms, helps regulate the Earth's climate by storing carbon, and plays a key role in filtering and purifying water.

What are the ways in which soil may lost?

Erosion is the major reason. This can be caused by wind, water and glaciers. Deforestation is where people dig up too many trees and overgrazing is where people dig up their crops all at one time and these processes can cause the wind to take it away easily. The wind blows dirt and soil easily and "hopping is where soil hits other soil on the ground as it is blowing and it bounces it up, causing much soil to be blown away. Water erosion is caused either by rain where it washes it away, or rivers, (specificly meandering stream), streams that have lots of turns and erosion occurs on the outer part of the turns, and this is how rivers get larger. Glaciers also pick up a lot of soil as they grind along the earth and once it gets low enough so that it melts, rocks and soil is deposited at that spot. (I just did a research project!).

What kind of soil do you use for a garden?

For a vegetable or flower garden, a loamy soil with good drainage and high organic matter content is ideal. You can amend your soil with compost to improve its texture and fertility. Additionally, conducting a soil test can help determine the pH and nutrient levels, guiding further amendments.

What is the Alluvial Plains for?

Alluvial plains are flat areas formed by the deposition of sediment carried by rivers, typically after flooding. These plains are fertile and support agriculture due to the rich soil deposited by the rivers over time. They are important for food production and human settlement.

How can you keep the soil from washing away or blowing it away?

You can prevent soil erosion by planting ground cover, such as grass or plants with deep root systems, to help hold the soil in place. Adding mulch or erosion control fabric can also help protect the soil from washing or blowing away. Implementing proper irrigation techniques to prevent excessive water runoff and using retaining walls or terracing on sloped areas can further help protect the soil.

What keeps the farmers soil healthy?

Farmers keep soil healthy by practicing sustainable agriculture methods such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and minimal tillage to help replenish soil nutrients, prevent erosion, and promote soil health. Additionally, adding organic matter like compost and manure can improve soil structure and fertility while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Regular soil testing can also provide insights on nutrient levels and help farmers make informed decisions about soil management practices.

What are disadvantages of alluvial soil?

Some disadvantages of alluvial soil include its susceptibility to erosion, which can result in loss of fertile topsoil and decreased soil quality. It may also be prone to waterlogging, which can hinder root growth and nutrient uptake by plants. Additionally, alluvial soil may lack sufficient natural fertility and require regular replenishment of nutrients through fertilizers for sustained agricultural productivity.

What does soil association symbol mean?

A soil association symbol on a map indicates the predominant type of soil in a specific area. It provides information about the soil's composition, fertility, and suitability for various uses such as agriculture or construction. Understanding soil associations can help in planning land management practices and making informed decisions about development projects.

What type of soil is best for growing a crop?

The best type of soil for growing a crop varies depending on the crop being grown. Generally, loam soil is considered ideal for most crops because it has a good balance of sand, silt, and clay, providing good drainage and moisture retention. It is important to consider the specific needs of the crop, such as pH levels and nutrient requirements, when selecting the type of soil.

What does arid to semiarid mean?

"Arid" refers to regions that receive very little rainfall, while "semiarid" regions receive slightly more rainfall but are still characterized by low precipitation levels and dry conditions. Both arid and semiarid areas typically have limited water resources and are prone to droughts.

What is sandy soil compose of?

Sandy soil is composed of larger particles that are well-draining and do not hold moisture and nutrients as effectively as other soil types. It is made up of predominantly sand particles with very little silt and clay content. Sandy soil tends to be light, loose, and gritty in texture.

Why does the western cordillera have leached soil?

There are five major, external factors inpacting the processes of soil formation: climate, organisms, relief (topography), parent bedrock material, time.

Here you need to look at parent bedrock and topography in hotter climates.

Leaching is done by irrigation or precipitation removing the soluble substances from the eroded particles of rock that make up the mineral content. Leaching is strongest when the bedrock mineral erodes to granular sand. This is most typical with volcanic lava rock that cooled above ground, very quickly to become crystalline. The smaller silt and clay particles that erode from magma (noncrystalline rock) are carried farthest to deposit into the valleys. This leaves the larger sand particles closest to their point of erosion making the soil very porous and prone to leaching.

Calcified soils have plenty of calcium and magnesium salts left after the acids leached away. This is because the rain that falls is more likely to evaporate than to flow through to a drainage system. This happens in inland regions of continents that dry out as playas that formed in desert valleys. The fine silt & clay minerals eroded from the mountains and deposited as shale in the valley. In wet playas leaching leaves the basic ions that cause salinaization, alkalization and calcification. Evaporation causes these soluble ions to move upwards in the layers, drawn by capillary action.

Can top soil hold water?

Yes, topsoil can hold water. Topsoil is the upper layer of soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients, making it capable of retaining water. The ability of topsoil to hold water is important for supporting plant growth and providing moisture for roots.

What is the name of the mineral-rich soil deposited in the Huang He river?

The mineral-rich soil deposited in the Huang He river is called "loess." It is formed from windblown deposits of silt and clay, and is known for its fertility and ability to support agriculture.

What role do soil colloids play in soil?

Soil colloids play a crucial role in soil fertility by providing a high surface area for nutrient and water retention. They also contribute to the cation exchange capacity of soil, allowing for the exchange of essential nutrients with plant roots. Additionally, soil colloids can help stabilize soil structure and prevent erosion.

Which heats up faster sand or metal?

Metal heats up faster than sand because metal has a higher thermal conductivity, meaning it can transfer heat more quickly than sand. Sand has a lower thermal conductivity, which slows down the rate at which it heats up.

Do All crops grow in the same environmental conditions?

Yes, because in the environmental condition it has to be a perfect for each soil. Ex: If its spinach it can get hotness( Hates the hotness) so it has to be drained very well and has to have perfect wind, and etc.

PLEASE DO NOT COPY THAT IS PLAG (take notes and write this in your own words and the way it was best described to you

Which soil type has the smallest soil particles?

Clay soil has the smallest soil particles among the various soil types. These tiny particles can hold onto water and nutrients tightly, making clay soil fertile but also prone to compaction.

What type of plowing helps to retain soil?

It's called "contour plowing", plowing in arcs and curves, avoiding endless long, straight lines of plowed field, in an attempt to cut down on the amount of dry topsoil the wind blows away. It is moderately effective, but when combined with the "no til" approach to farming, it goes a long way toward preserving topsoil.

What occurs when heavy rains wash nutrients from the soil?

When heavy rains wash nutrients from the soil, it can result in nutrient runoff into nearby water sources, causing eutrophication. This excessive nutrient level in water bodies can lead to algal blooms and a decrease in oxygen levels, ultimately impacting the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Why do plants need good soil to grow?

Plants need good soil to grow because it provides essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, that plants need for their growth and development. Good soil also provides a stable anchorage for the plant's roots and holds water that the plant can absorb. Additionally, soil with the right balance of texture, structure, and pH level promotes healthy root growth and overall plant health.

How many 40 lb bags of topsoil are on a pallet?

Generally speaking, weight doesn't equate to volume. Off the top of my head, I would say it would take about 50 bags to equal 1 cubic yard. Also, to check this, a yard of soil weighs about 1 ton (2000 lbs).

So if you need 7 yards, I would have a local nursery, or supply house deliver the 7 yards of topsoil. In W. PA we pay about $22/yd delivered. Compare this to $2 - $3/bag: $750 - $1150 plus loading & unloading your truck (or car) and about 25 trips to the hardware (or wal-mart-boo).