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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 minimizes soil erosion?

Planting cover crops, maintaining ground cover, reducing tillage, and implementing contour farming can help minimize soil erosion by preventing the exposure of bare soil to wind and water. Additionally, establishing grassed waterways and terracing on sloping land can help reduce the speed and impact of water runoff, further preventing soil erosion.

Why does drought conditions change the soil to be eroded?

Drought conditions can cause soil to become dry and lose its stability, making it more prone to erosion by wind and water. The lack of moisture weakens the soil structure, reducing cohesion and increasing susceptibility to being carried away by erosion processes. The absence of vegetation due to drought can also expose the soil surface and reduce its ability to anchor the soil in place, further contributing to erosion.

What happens to the load of rocks and soil that a rivers pick up?

The load of rocks and soil picked up by rivers is transported downstream through erosion and sedimentation. Along the way, the rocks and soil can be deposited as sediment, contributing to the formation of riverbanks, deltas, and floodplains. This process plays a critical role in shaping the landscape and maintaining the health of river ecosystems.

Why is loam the is the best kind of soil?

Loam is considered the best kind of soil because it is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, which provides good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient availability for plant roots. This makes it ideal for supporting a wide variety of plant life and promoting healthy root growth.

What material make up the soil?

Soil is composed of mineral particles (like sand, silt, and clay), organic matter (decaying plant and animal material), water, and air. These components interact to create a diverse and complex environment that supports plant growth.

Is dry soil abiotic or biotic?

It is both because soil is not living But, it also has dead organisms in it.

What is the purpose of soil test?

Soil tests are used to determine the nutrient content, pH level, and other properties of soil. This information helps farmers and gardeners make informed decisions regarding fertilizer application, crop selection, and soil amendments to improve plant growth and productivity.

What is a soil that forms in temperate areas and is characterized by the accumulation of iron oxides and aluminum rich clays?

The soil you are referring to is likely an Oxisol. Oxisols are well-drained, highly weathered soils found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are characterized by a high concentration of iron oxides and aluminum-rich clays due to intense weathering processes.

Is soil reusable renewable or nonrenewable?

Soil is renewable because it can be replenished through natural processes like decomposition and rock weathering in a relatively short period of time. However, the rate at which it is replenished is much slower than the rate at which it is degraded by factors such as erosion and pollution, so proper soil management practices are important to ensure its sustainability.

Does silt hold water?

Yes, silt can hold water due to its fine particle size and high porosity. The small spaces between silt particles allow water to be retained, making it useful for moisture retention in soil.

What is the slow downhill mass movement of rock and soil caused by gravity?

The slow downhill mass movement of rock and soil caused by gravity is called creep. This gradual movement occurs over time, resulting in the slow shifting of materials downslope. Creep is one of the most common types of mass wasting processes.

What forms when water mixes with carbon dioxide gas in the air soil?

When water mixes with carbon dioxide gas in the soil, it forms carbonic acid. This weak acid can break down minerals in the soil, leading to the weathering of rocks and contributing to soil fertility.

Which force of attraction helps move water up through plants?

There are in fact two methods employed in plants which assist water to travel up the stem (in the xylem vessels).

Hydrogen bonding seems to be the primary driving force water being drawn up the xylem vessels where weak bonds form between the Hydrogen and Oxygen atoms of the water molecule's. This system works in conjunction with transpirational pull- where water is lost from the leaves through transpiration, more water molecules are drawn in behind them to as replacements.

Capillary action, this is the ability of water travel up narrow tubes against the force of gravity and is due to the adhesive and cohesive interaction between the tubes and the liquid.

Note: Osmosis is not responsible for drawing water up the stems of the plants, this is only works where there are differences in water potential and where a semipermeable membrane is in place. In other words, this works to draw water into the roots, but does not play a roll in transporting it up the stem.

What soil is used for growing radish seeds?

radish will grow in almost all soils, but like well fertilized free soil, not too wet. they grow great in warmer weather, above 18 degrees Celsius. some types can be ready to eat in under a month. try long rooted white crystal or round type cherry belle.

What characteristics should soil have to suit animals that live in the soil?

There are many types of soil, but loam is the best soil for soil living animals because it retains water.Loam is aerated (high content of air) and contains lots of nutrients. For soil living animals it is the best soil. In general, it should be a well-draining friable soil with organic matter

Does silt have low porosity?

Silt typically has moderate porosity, as its particles are smaller than sand but larger than clay. This allows silt to hold some water while still providing good drainage.

How do you separate the different parts of topsoil?

Topsoil can be separated into its different parts through a process called sieving. This involves passing the topsoil through a series of screens with varying mesh sizes to separate particles based on their size. The larger particles like rocks and gravel will be left behind on the coarser screens, while finer particles like sand, silt, and clay will pass through to the finer screens.

Which soil is most suitable for farming?

The best farm soils drain freely, but hold enough moisture for vegetables to thrive.

A loam soil has a nice balance of sand, silt, and clay particles, so excess water drains freely, but capillary attraction holds moisture for vegetables to draw on through the day. Loam soils also tend to be higher in organic matter, so vegetables have greater vigor and disease resistance.

What soil does Mercury have?

Mercury does not have soil like Earth does. Its surface is mostly covered with a thin layer of loose rock and dust, known as regolith. This regolith is heavily influenced by the impacts of asteroids and comets.

What is the best way to fix hard clay soil on a cheap budget?

The best way to fix hard clay soil on a cheap budget is to add organic matter such as compost, leaf mulch, or aged manure to improve soil structure and drainage. You can also incorporate sand or perlite to improve aeration and reduce compaction. Regularly adding organic matter over time will gradually improve the quality of your soil without breaking the bank.

What is the richest part of the soil called?

The richest part of the soil is called topsoil. Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil that is rich in organic matter, nutrients, and microorganisms, which are essential for plant growth.

What can eroded soil enter causing them to fill up with sediment?

Eroded soil can enter water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and streams, where they accumulate and cause sedimentation. This can lead to decreased water quality, habitat degradation, and reduced water flow capacity.

Is potting mix and fertilizer the same thing?

No. Potting mix is a mix of soil among other things specially made for plant being put in pots. Where as fertilizer is a mix of chemicals used to help your plants grow healthy and boost its growth, should be used carefully.

What are karewas?

The Karewas in Kashmir valley are some 367 meters thick lacustrine deposits. They cover the area between the Jhelum alluvium in the north and Fir Panjal mountain in the south and silts, sand, partly compacted conglomerates and embedded moraines in south-west

Is the value of soil always constant?

No, the value of soil can vary based on factors such as nutrient content, pH levels, organic matter content, and soil structure. Soils can be improved through proper management practices like adding organic matter, adjusting pH levels, and proper hydration.