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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 is Baked Soil?

Baked soil refers to soil that has been heated at high temperatures, often used in the process of making ceramics. The heat treatment alters the physical properties of the soil, making it more suitable for certain applications, such as pottery or building materials.

How soil is found?

Soil is found on the Earth's surface, forming through the weathering of rocks and organic matter over long periods of time. It can be found in various environments such as forests, grasslands, deserts, and agricultural fields. Soil varies in composition based on factors like climate, vegetation, and geological processes.

Would it be hard for plants to make DNA with a shortage of phosphorus in the soil?

Yes, phosphorus is an essential element for DNA synthesis in plants. A shortage of phosphorus in the soil can lead to stunted growth, reduced flowering, and poor development of roots in plants as they struggle to synthesize enough DNA for growth and reproduction.

Does water travel faster through sand soil or gravel?

Water typically travels faster through gravel than sand soil because gravel has larger pore spaces that allow water to flow more easily. Sand soil has smaller pore spaces which can slow down the movement of water.

Why soil is heterogeneous mixture?

Dirt is a heterogenous coz as air contains dirt but we cant specify that the dirt molecules present in air are of same substance ,,, the dirt present in air is of diff. substances so dirt is a heterogenous mixture

What is the specific gravity value range for normal soils?

The specific gravity value range for normal soils typically falls between 2.60 to 2.70. This range may vary slightly depending on the composition and characteristics of the soil. Specific gravity is a measure of the density of a material compared to the density of water.

What is meant by activity of soil?

It means the microbial activity of the soil - generally the more there is, the healthier the soil. It is said that a handful of garden soil has more living microorganisms in it than there are people on earth - and that's a good thing.

What is the definition of sensitivity of soil?

Sensitivity of soil refers to how easily the soil structure can be disturbed or eroded by external forces such as rain, wind, or human activity. Highly sensitive soils are more prone to erosion and degradation, which can impact agricultural productivity and the environment. The sensitivity of soil is influenced by factors such as texture, organic matter content, compaction, and land use practices.

What are the disadvantages of leaching?

Some disadvantages of leaching include the potential for environmental contamination by leached chemicals, depletion of nutrients in soils, and alteration of the soil's pH balance. Additionally, leaching can lead to the loss of essential minerals and nutrients from the soil, impacting plant growth and vitality.

Where does the inorganic part of the soil come from?

The inorganic part of soil is made up of particles of sand, silt, and clay. These inorganic components arise from weathered parent rock, over tens of thousands of years. Water, wind, and glaciers are the primary weathering forces, although plant roots also have some effect on weathering processes. Glaciers grind rock under tons of ice. Flowing water smashes rocks along the bottom against each other, cracking them and breaking them into smaller pieces. Wind picks up grit and "sand-blasts" rock, peeling off thin layers.

Wind and water also move soils around, peeling them off some areas and depositing thicker layers downwind or downstream. Soils that are deposited by wind or water are called alluvial soils. Soils deposited by wind are loess soils.

Why topsoil is darker than subsoil and saprolite?

Topsoil is darker than subsoil and saprolite because it contains more organic matter from decomposed plant and animal material. This organic matter adds dark color to the soil and makes it richer in nutrients, which is why topsoil is often more fertile than subsoil and saprolite.

What kind of rock forms sandy soil?

Sandy soil is formed by the weathering and breakdown of rocks like granite, quartz, and limestone. These rocks contain minerals like quartz and feldspar that break down into sand particles over time, giving sandy soil its characteristic texture.

What is a deposite of fertile windblown soil called?

loess: fertile, yellow-gray soil deposited by wind and water

How does soil erosion affects the land?

Soil Erosion affects the land in many ways. It can take away the topsoil of the soil horizon which is important to growing crops and pasture for its organic matter. Also erosion can cause leaching of the soil which means that nutrients leave the soil and may become hazardous to aquatic life downstream.

Which layer of soil has the least amount of organic materials in it?

The top layers - The weathering and the degradability would apply.

The deposits in the inner layers are not exposed to the eco parameters ie the sunshine hours, rainfall on the surface and physical movements and not deposits.

The options for mulch and the deposits to avoid or curtain evapotranspiration from the surface of the soil ought to be rationalised as per the raw material applied and the rate of the biodegradability.

Thank you

K

Monday, 17th January 2011

How does the size of soil affect its permeability?

Smaller soil particles create smaller pore spaces, reducing permeability by slowing water flow. Larger soil particles have larger pore spaces, allowing water to flow more easily through the soil.

What pH would indicate and acidic soil?

The answer to 'What pH would indicate and acidic soil?' is 5. 5 is a week number and 1 is the strongest, 7 is neutral and 14 is a strong alkali 9 is week.

What are the layers of soil and how soil is made?

The layers of soil are the topsoil, subsoil, regolith, and bedrock. Soil is formed through the weathering of rocks by physical, chemical, and biological processes over time. Organic matter from decaying plants and animals also contributes to soil formation.

Will happen to the strength of the concrete if impurities such as clay and silt occur in the sand?

The impurities like clay and silt in sand can reduce the strength of concrete by weakening the bond between the cement and aggregates. This can lead to an increase in voids in the concrete mixture, reducing its structural integrity and overall durability. It is important to use clean and well-graded sand to maintain the desired strength of the concrete.

Is dirt acidic?

Dirt can vary in acidity depending on its composition and location. Some soils can be acidic, with a pH below 7, while others can be more neutral or alkaline. Testing the pH of the specific dirt in question can provide a more accurate answer.

Can soil be found wherever weathering occurs?

Soil is typically formed through weathering processes acting on rocks over time. Therefore, soil is commonly found in areas where weathering has occurred. However, the specific characteristics and composition of the soil will depend on the types of rocks and other factors involved in the weathering process.

What does soil provide for the grass on a soccer field?

Soil provides essential nutrients and minerals for grass to grow and develop strong roots. It also retains water, allowing grass to stay hydrated during periods of drought. Additionally, soil provides stability for the grass by anchoring its roots in place.

Which organism fix nitrogen in the soil?

Legumes such as clover, beans, and soybeans have symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Rhizobium, allowing them to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. These bacteria live in nodules on the plant's roots and help enrich the soil with available nitrogen.

What colony had great soil and valuable crops such as tobacco and rice?

The colony that had great soil and valuable crops like tobacco and rice was Virginia. These crops became major exports that fueled the colony's economy and attracted settlers in search of economic opportunities.

How much potting soil will fill up a 5 gallon bucket?

Approximately 2.5-3 gallons of potting soil will fill up a 5-gallon bucket, leaving some space at the top for watering and root growth. It is recommended to not fill the bucket entirely to allow for adequate drainage and prevent overflow.