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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 is arid soils formed?

Arid soils are formed in arid regions with low precipitation and high evaporation rates, leading to accumulation of salts and minerals near the surface. These salts can come from weathering of rocks or from salt deposits left behind as water evaporates. The resulting soils are often low in organic matter and nutrients, making them less fertile for plant growth.

Is the bedrock in the c horizon?

Bedrock is typically found in the C horizon of the soil profile. The C horizon is the layer of partially weathered parent material that lies beneath the topsoil (A horizon) and subsoil (B horizon). It is composed of loosely packed rock fragments and minerals.

Why is clay not a good soil type to grow plants?

Clay soil is actually excellent for construction when used to make cob. Cob homes can be very inexpensive to build and require few tools. Cob homes generally have an R 30-50 insulation rating, and many like the ones in the north of wales where it is very wet and moist have stood for hundreds of years. Because cob is not a dimensional material, very interesting homes can be constructed with curved walls and nooks, shelves, beds, benches, cob ovens, rocket stoves, etc. built right into the home. Cob is a mix of clay soil, sand, and straw and there are some very nice modern homes built with cob.

However, you would not want to set a foundation into expandable soils like clay without special consideration. When expandable soils like clay get wet they will expand. Standing a foundation on it can result in cracks where the clay has expanded and pushed the foundation up or in. Expanding soil like clay can exert several thousands of pounds of pressure upwards or outwards when it gets moist and expands.

When mixed properly, cob will not shrink or expand much because of the sand.

Does bedrock begin the formation of the soil?

Bedrock is the solid rock beneath the soil. Soil is formed as a result of weathering and erosion of the bedrock over time. So, while bedrock does not directly start the formation of soil, it does provide the material from which soil is developed.

What causes canyon formation?

Canyons are primarily formed through erosion, typically by rivers carving through rock over long periods of time. The combination of flowing water and sediment wearing away at the surrounding rock creates deep, steep-sided valleys known as canyons. Other factors such as tectonic activity or glaciation can also contribute to canyon formation.

What kind of soil you use to fill a garden box?

I always think a well mixed mixture of 1/4 sterile topsoil, 1/4 sharp sand and 2/4 well rotted garden compost is good (also add a couple of handfuls of pelleted chicken manure). You will need to add more manure and some extra compost each year and replace the mixture every 3 years (dig it into the borders).

Alternatively you could purchase bags of a proprietary garden tub compost.

How does Sir CV Raman describe the problem of soil erosion and illustrate the life giving properties of water?

Sir CV Raman described soil erosion as a significant threat that degrades fertile soil and affects agricultural productivity. He emphasized the crucial role of water in sustaining life by highlighting how water aids in nourishing crops and providing essential nutrients to support plant growth, ultimately contributing to the sustenance of ecosystems and human life.

What is the name of the measure of how well soil supports plant growth?

The measure of how well soil supports plant growth is known as soil fertility. It depends on factors like nutrient content, pH levels, organic matter, and microbial activity in the soil.

What percent of the us cropland requires no soil conservation practices?

Approximately 42% of US cropland requires no soil conservation practices. This can lead to issues such as erosion, reduced soil fertility, and water pollution. Implementing soil conservation practices can help protect the land for future use.

What does 2cf equal in pounds of potting soil?

It is not possible to directly convert cubic feet (cf) to pounds of potting soil without knowing the density of the soil. The weight of potting soil can vary significantly depending on factors like moisture content and composition. It is best to refer to the manufacturer's packaging or specifications for the weight of a certain volume of potting soil.

What is an example of homogeneous mixture typical soil sample a glass of orange juice or a bottle of table vinegar or the hydrogen and oxygen atoms that make up water?

The homogeneous mixture example is the glass of orange juice, as it contains a combination of water and dissolved substances (sugar, citric acid, vitamins) that are uniformly distributed throughout.

What is the meaning of soil water flow?

Soil water flow refers to the movement of water through the soil, driven by factors such as gravity, capillary action, and soil texture. This movement is important for nutrient transport, plant uptake, and groundwater recharge. Understanding soil water flow is crucial for managing irrigation, drainage, and environmental impacts.

How much does 1 cu yd of soil cover?

The answer will depend on how thick you want the coverage to be. If you want:

1. Two Inches = 18 square yards

2. Three Inches = 12 Square yards

3. Four Inches = 9 square yards

See the pattern here? If the dirt was a Cube of 3ft x 3ft x 3ft, then you divide 36" by the thickness of coverage in inches. The answer is the number of Square Yards of coverage.

Does dirt melt ice?

Dirt does not melt ice. In fact, dirt can insulate ice, preventing it from melting quickly by forming a barrier between the ice and warmer temperatures. The dark color of dirt can also absorb sunlight and heat, causing the ice to melt more slowly.

What are transported soil?

Transported soil refers to soil that has been moved from its original location by natural processes like wind, water, or ice. This soil may be deposited in different layers or locations, carrying nutrients and minerals with it. Transported soil can have different characteristics compared to the local soil, depending on its origin and the process of transportation.

What is one of the factors not involved in the soil formation?

One factor not involved in soil formation is the movement of tectonic plates. Tectonic plate movement affects landforms and topography, but it does not directly contribute to the creation of soil.

How much fertility in soil has to be lost before the soil can be considered infertile?

There is no specific threshold for when soil is considered infertile, as fertility is influenced by a variety of factors including nutrient content, pH levels, and organic matter. Generally, if a soil's fertility has declined significantly and cannot support plant growth without added inputs such as fertilizers, it may be considered infertile. Soil tests and monitoring plant growth can help determine fertility levels.

When you add calcium carbonate to loam soil why does it stop the soil from becoming to acidic?

Calcium Carbonate decreases organic matter and grain yields so that although there is a lot of leaves about - the soil won't be too acidic. Calcium Carbonate may be particularly effective with soil under a tree.

What 2 things are necessary to form the most fertile soil?

Organic matter and a balance of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are necessary to form the most fertile soil. Organic matter provides nutrients for plants and improves soil structure, while a balanced supply of nutrients supports plant growth and development.

What are facts about red soil?

important Facts on Red Soils

(A) Formed by the weathering of crystalline Rocks.

(B) found in Tamil Ee, iQuest, Goa and Orissa.

(C) The main characteristics are:

(I) Red in the north º Presence of iron compounds.

(Ii) Colour varies from Chocolate Brown to Yellow.

(III) Deficient in nitrogen, lime, phosphoric acid and humus.

(Eve) The soil becomes productive with the fornication of fertilisers.

(D) Crops grown are: Rice, sugar cane, wheat, pulses can be grown with irrigation and addition of fertilisers.

Why is there different kinds of soil?

The reason there are different kinds of soil is that the diverse conditions across the planet have resulted in many altered states of the substance. The tundra has a layer of subsoil called permafrost, the geologic term being cryotic soil, wich occurs when soil is frozen several years in a row. Different chemical compounds in rock types, and environmental conditions like wind, rain, and cold are what contribute to different soil types through erosion and deposition. The basic soil types are clay, sand, and silt. Most soil is made up of a combination of the three, and some amount of organic matter.

How do you know if you have high acidic soil?

To check the acidity of the soil all u have to do is check it with a pH paper.If the value shows a colour red or some colour near to it it means the soil is acidic in nature.But if the colour is blue or greenish, it is basic in nature.

How do you get silt out of water?

To remove silt from water, you can use sedimentation by allowing the water to sit undisturbed so that the silt settles to the bottom. Alternatively, you can use a filtration method like a fine mesh screen or a filter to physically separate the silt from the water. Another option is to use chemical flocculants that help bind the silt particles together for easier removal.

What is a property of soil that helps the Western Hemlock tree to live?

Western Hemlock trees thrive in well-drained acidic soils with high organic matter content. The organic matter in the soil helps retain moisture and provides nutrients essential for the tree's growth. Additionally, the slightly acidic pH of the soil favors the Western Hemlock tree's growth.

What is regolith soil?

Regolith soil is a layer of loose, heterogeneous material covering solid rock on the Earth's surface. It is a mixture of soil, dust, broken rock, and other debris that forms the uppermost layer of the Earth's crust. This type of soil is common in areas with strong weathering processes.