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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 optical horizon?

The optical horizon is the point at which the sky appears to meet the Earth's surface when viewed from a specific location. It is also known as the visible horizon and may be affected by factors such as elevation and atmospheric conditions.

What makes Central Valleyland so fertile?

Central Valleyland is fertile due to its rich alluvial soil deposited by rivers over millennia, combined with a Mediterranean climate that provides long, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The flat topography of the region also allows for efficient irrigation and agricultural practices, contributing to its productivity.

Why does the soil turn white on houseplants?

If you are referring to a crusty whitish layer on top of the soil when it has dried after watering, it is most likely soluble salts and calcified minerals from your water. It can "lock" up the nutrients in the soil and make them unavailable to the plant. You can either repot the plant with new potting soil or flush the existing soil completely with several gallons of water or more if it is a larger plant, but then you should feed the plant with a slow release fertilizer like osmocoat.

What are the uses of desert soil?

Desert soil can be used for agriculture with the right irrigation and management practices. It can also be used for construction purposes as a foundational material. Additionally, desert soil plays a crucial role in supporting unique desert ecosystems and biodiversity.

Which of the planet has red soil?

Mars is sometimes called the "Red Planet" because of its reddish appearance, due to iron oxide prevalent on its surface.

Does soil need the air you breathe?

No, soil does not require the air we breathe. Soil needs air (oxygen) to support the respiration of soil organisms and roots, which is different from the air we breathe. The exchange of gases in soil occurs through pore spaces and is essential for plant growth and nutrient cycling.

What is a perma frost?

  • Permafrost means a thin layer of frozen soil


Perma-frost is the thick sub-surface layer of soil that remains frozen all year long. This happens mostly in the polar regions.

Is sand bigger than clay?

Yes, clay particles are very small, smaller than sand particles.

Why selection entitled children of the ash-covered loam?

The selection is titled "Children of the Ash-Covered Loam" because it refers to the people who live in the volcanic region of Java, Indonesia, where the fertile soil is covered in ash from volcanic eruptions. This title symbolizes the resilience and strength of the people who have learned to adapt and thrive in a challenging environment.

Explain why volcanic soils are some of the most fertile soils on Earth?

Volcanic soils are rich in minerals and nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, which support plant growth. The rapid weathering of volcanic rocks contributes to the release of these nutrients, making the soils highly fertile. Additionally, volcanic eruptions can deposit layers of ash on the land, further enriching the soil with organic matter.

Why are most Philippine soils considered young?

Most Philippine soils are considered young because of the relatively recent geological activity in the region. Frequent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and weathering processes constantly rejuvenate the soils, preventing them from developing significant age characteristics seen in more stable geological areas.

What are soil crumbs?

Soil crumbs are small, aggregated particles of soil that have a crumb-like structure. They are formed when soil particles bind together to create larger, more stable aggregates, which helps improve soil structure, porosity, and fertility. Soil crumbs are important for promoting healthy plant growth by providing aeration, water retention, and nutrient availability in the soil.

How do you separate lead from dirt?

In solid form you can simply sift the dirt and lead mixture through a sieve-like tool, with the help of a little water to wash the dirt through. The lead will be too big to be washed through the tiny holes.

In mineral form, where the lead is the same grain size as the dirt, you will simply have to plant lead-absorbing plants in the dirt, which will absorb the mineral lead.

A vertical section through all of the soil horizons?

A vertical section through all of the soil horizons is called a soil profile. It shows the different layers of soil, or horizons, from the surface down to the bedrock. These horizons are classified based on their physical and chemical properties, helping to understand the soil composition and characteristics.

The transfer of soil and rock downslope due to gravity?

This process is called mass wasting or mass movement. It involves the movement of soil, rock, and debris down a slope under the influence of gravity. Factors such as steepness of the slope, type of material, and presence of water can affect the rate and type of mass wasting that occurs.

Alluvial terraces are also known as?

Alluvial Terraces are also known as built terrace; drift terrace; fill terrace; stream-built terrace; wave-built platform; wave-built terrace.

What are the other ways can be protected by soil?

Soil can help protect against erosion by providing stability for vegetation roots, filter and purify water by trapping pollutants, and serve as a reservoir for nutrients that are essential for plant growth. Additionally, soil plays a key role in carbon sequestration, which helps mitigate climate change by storing carbon in organic matter.

Process that can renew the soil?

Decomposition. Decomposers such as mushroom, bacterium(fungus and bacteria) decompose dead matters and animal wastes into mineral salts for plants to grow healthily.(my answer maybe is not related)

Rainfall is most likely to infiltrate into soil that is?

Loose, porous, and well-structured, allowing for water to easily flow through and be stored in the soil. Compacted or clayey soils will have difficulty absorbing rainfall.

Scientifically what stretches from horizon to horizon?

The horizon is the apparent line that separates the Earth from the sky. It is the furthest point where the Earth's surface seems to meet the sky. In reality, the horizon is a circular boundary that varies based on the observer's height and the curvature of the Earth.

In what ways is soil always changing?

Soil always changes through processes like weathering, erosion, organic matter decomposition, and plant growth. These processes can affect soil structure, nutrient content, texture, and overall quality over time. Human activities such as agriculture and deforestation can also significantly impact soil dynamics.

Three factors that increase soil erosion?

  1. Deforestation: Removing trees and vegetation disrupts the natural protective covering of the soil, making it prone to erosion.
  2. Agriculture: Intensive farming practices like overgrazing and improper irrigation can strip the soil of its nutrients and structure, leading to erosion.
  3. Construction activities: Land clearing, excavation, and development projects can expose large areas of soil to erosion by removing the natural vegetative cover.

How is manure effective in replenishing soil nutrients?

may gradually replenish soil nutrients and potentially reduce the flow of agricultural pollutants to nearby water sources, according to findings by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and colleagues.

What does the color of soil tell you?

The color of soil can provide clues about its composition and properties. For example, dark soil may indicate high organic matter content, while red soil suggests the presence of iron oxides. Light-colored soil may signal low organic matter or high sand content. Analyzing soil color can help in determining fertility, drainage, and other characteristics important for plant growth.

Why is soil valuable as a natural resource?

Soil is one of earths most valuable natural resources because everything that lives on land, including humans depends directly or indirectly on soil.

It has been said that the top 6 inches of soil on our planet feeds the entire human population. Of course, fish is also an important source of food in many parts of the world too.