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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
Yes, heavy rainfall can saturate the soil on the side of a hill, leading to increased pore pressure and reduced friction between soil particles. This can cause the soil to become unstable and slide downhill as a landslide due to the force of gravity and erosion.
Can soil pollution be cleaned up?
Yes, soil pollution can be cleaned up through various methods such as soil excavation, bioremediation, and phytoremediation. These techniques help remove or neutralize pollutants in the soil, restoring its quality and health. The effectiveness of each method depends on the type and extent of pollution present in the soil.
What is the A horizon known as?
The A horizon is known as the topsoil layer of soil. It is the uppermost layer where most organic matter and nutrients are found, making it crucial for plant growth and agriculture.
How can overgrazing damage soil?
Overgrazing can damage soil by reducing vegetation cover, leading to soil erosion from wind and water. It can also compact the soil, reducing water infiltration and causing increased runoff. Overgrazing can degrade soil quality, decrease soil fertility, and lead to desertification in extreme cases.
Why is soil such an important resource?
Soil is an important resource because it supports plant growth by providing nutrients, water, and anchorage. It also plays a key role in regulating the Earth's climate by storing carbon and supporting biodiversity. Additionally, soil is vital for food production and helps purify water by filtering out contaminants.
An organic soil mineral concentrate in which promotes cellular turnover, absorption and retention of moisture and high antioxidant properties. It is the main skincare ingredient in bareMinerals skincare.
Did New England colonies have bad soil?
Yes, some parts of New England had poor soil for agriculture due to rocky terrain, hilly landscapes, and harsh winters. This made farming more challenging compared to other regions with more fertile soil. However, the New England colonists eventually adapted by focusing on diversified agriculture, fishing, trade, and manufacturing to sustain their economy.
How many bacteria can be found in 1 gram of sandy soil?
There can be billions to trillions of bacteria in 1 gram of sandy soil, depending on various factors such as soil composition, moisture content, and nutrient availability. Bacteria play a crucial role in soil health and ecosystem functioning.
What is it called when water is absorbed through the soil?
The process of water being absorbed into the soil is called infiltration. This occurs when water from precipitation or irrigation moves downward through the soil profile. Infiltration is an important part of the water cycle and helps recharge groundwater supplies.
Yes. It is usually more fertile than other types of soil, as it has highly adequate water-holding capacity and enough space between the granules to allow oxygen and air to seep into. The fertile agricultural lands near the Nile river contains a lot of silt, which is why it is so popular for growing crops in.
What soil type do you need to grow maize?
Maize grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 5.8 and 7.0. It prefers sandy loam or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients. A soil that is deep, loose, and has good water-holding capacity is ideal for growing maize.
What would a farmer do if his soil was to acidic?
A farmer with acidic soil may add lime to raise the pH level and make it more neutral. This helps improve nutrient availability and crop growth. It's important to regularly test the soil pH and adjust as needed to maintain optimal conditions for plant growth.
Why do people who sell peat want peat to be dug up?
People who sell peat want it to be dug up because it is a valuable natural resource that can be sold for profit. Peat is used for garden soil, horticulture, and fuel, making it a desirable product for commercial purposes.
Why are the rocks big at the bottom of the soil profile?
Rocks are formed initially as one large slab, then are broken down by various processes. Most of the processes that will break rocks down into smaller rocks require the rock be exposed to the weather (wind, rain, freeze/thaw cycle, mechanical separation by roots growing into the cracks), so the further the rocks are from the surface, the larger they are likely to be.
What are inorganic soil layers?
inorganic soil layers are layers of broken down rock that have become soil without the organic material (such as: leaves, grass, decomposed life forms) . The Bedrock and Parts of the Parent Material are inorganic soil layers.
What are the importance of soil in crop production?
Soil is important for crop production because the plants that yield crops are grown in soil. Different crops thrive in different types of soil, so it is important when choosing which crops to plant to select varieties that produce high quality and yield in the type of soil being used.
How do earthworms make soil healthy?
Earthworms improve soil health by aerating the soil, allowing better water infiltration and root growth. They also break down organic matter, releasing nutrients that are more accessible to plants. Additionally, the tunnels they create help to improve soil structure and drainage.
What layer of the earth is made of rocks and soil?
The layer of the Earth that is primarily made of rocks and soil is called the crust. The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the planet and is divided into two types: continental crust (underlying land masses) and oceanic crust (underlying ocean basins).
Is sand soil or pebbles more absorbent?
First of all, sand is a type of soil. I would assume sand, but since it is a type of soil you would have to know what types of soil there are: sand, clay, silt, peat, loam, and chalky soil are all types of soil.
Sand -This type has the biggest particles and the size of the particles does determine the degree of aeration and drainage that the soil allows. It is granular and consists of rock and mineral particles that are very small. Therefore the texture is gritty and sandy soil is formed by the disintegration and weathering of rocks such as limestone, granite, quartz and shale. Sandy soil is easier to cultivate if it is rich in organic material but then it allows drainage more than is needed, thus resulting in over-drainage and dehydration of the plants in summer. It warms very fast in the spring season. So if you want to grow your plant in sandy soil it is imperative that you water it regularly in the summers and give a break in the winters and rainy season, sandy soil retains moisture and nutrients. In a way sandy soil is good for plants since it lets the water go off so that it does not remain near the roots and lead them to decay.
Silt- Silty soil is considered to be one of the most fertile of soils. It can occur in nature as soil or as suspended sediment in water column of a water body on the surface of the earth. It is composed of minerals like Quartz and fine organic particles. It is granular like sandy soil but it has more nutrients than sandy soil and it also offers better drainage. In case silty soil is dry it has a smoother texture and looks like dark sand. This type of soil can hold more moisture and at times becomes compact. It offers better drainage and is much easier to work with when it has moisture.
Clay- Clay is a kind of material that occurs naturally and consists of very fine grained material with very less air spaces, that is the reason it is difficult to work with since the drainage in this soil is low, most of the time there is a chance of water logging and harm to the roots of the plant. Clay soil becomes very heavy when wet and if cultivation has to be done, organic fertilizers have to be added. Clay soil is formed after years of rock disintegration and weathering. It is also formed as sedimentary deposits after the rock is weathered, eroded and transported.
Loamy soil- This soil consists of sand, silt and clay to some extent. It is considered to be the perfect soil. The texture is gritty and retains water very easily, yet the drainage is well. There are various kinds of loamy soil ranging from fertile to very muddy and thick sod. Yet out of all the different kinds of soil loamy soil is the ideal for cultivation.
Peaty soil- This kind of soil is basically formed by the accumulation of dead and decayed organic matter, it naturally contains much more organic matter than most of the soils. It is generally found in marshy areas. Now the decomposition of the organic matter in Peaty soil is blocked by the acidity of the soil. This kind of soil is formed in wet climate. Though the soil is rich in organic matter, nutrients present are fewer in this soil type than any other type. Peaty soil is prone to water logging but if the soil is fertilized well and the drainage of the soil is looked after, it can be the ideal for growing plants.
Chalky soil- Unlike Peaty soil, Chalky soil is very alkaline in nature and consists of a large number of stones. The fertility of this kind of soil depends on the depth of the soil that is on the bed of chalk. This kind of soil is prone to dryness and in summers it is a poor choice for plantation, as the plants would need much more watering and fertilizing than on any other type of soil. Chalky Soil, apart from being dry also blocks the nutritional elements for the plants like Iron and Magnesium.
Now, you decide. I'm doing a science fair on this.
What plants grow well in clay soils?
Seeds can grow in clay soil, but the soil would work better with a bit of help. Start coming up to speed on soil and soil amendments. (Sounds like you already are.) A link is provided to give you a jump start.
The horizon symbolizes the future, possibilities, and the unknown. It represents a point where the sky and the Earth meet, serving as a metaphor for new beginnings, opportunities, and the vastness of the world beyond what we can currently see.
It is not safe or healthy to eat soil as it may contain harmful chemicals, toxins, or pathogens that can make you sick. Eating large amounts of soil can also cause digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies. It's important to stick to consuming safe and nutritious food for your health.
What is the renewable source formed from organic material?
Biomass is a renewable source of energy formed from organic materials, such as plants, crops, and waste products. Biomass can be converted into biofuels, like ethanol and biodiesel, as well as used to generate electricity through processes like combustion and gasification.
What are two way farmers can protect the mineral content of the soil?
Farmers can protect the mineral content of the soil by practicing crop rotation to prevent depletion of specific minerals and by using cover crops to trap and recycle minerals in the soil. They can also use organic farming practices to improve soil structure and promote microbial activity, which helps in maintaining mineral content.
What is involved in the soil preparation process of liming?
Liming involves applying liming materials to the soil to raise the pH level. This helps to neutralize soil acidity and improve nutrient availability for plants. The process typically involves testing the soil pH, determining the appropriate amount of lime to apply, and then spreading the lime evenly across the soil surface before incorporating it into the soil.
