Soil

Farmers add nitrates to soil in the form of fertilizers to provide essential nitrogen for plant growth. Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient for plants to thrive and produce healthy crops. Nitrogen helps in the formation of proteins, chlorophyll, and other vital components necessary for plant growth and development.

Yes, peanuts can help improve soil health by fixing nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with certain bacteria. This can increase soil fertility and benefit other plants grown in the same area. Additionally, peanut shells can be used as a mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth in the soil.

A soil profile typically has three main horizons: topsoil (A horizon), subsoil (B horizon), and parent material (C horizon). Each horizon has distinct characteristics based on factors like organic matter content, color, structure, and composition.

The density of soil can vary widely depending on factors like composition and moisture content. On average, the density of soil ranges from 1,000 to 1,800 kg/m³. It is important to note that the density of soil can be more accurately determined by conducting a specific gravity test on a soil sample.

They're not - photosynthesis consumes only water, air (CO2), and sunlight.

The "soil nutrients" are needed by the plant to convert the sugars into the other molecules that the plant needs to grow - including the chloroplasts that do the photosynthesis.

Silt is a fine-grained sediment, often found in riverbeds and lakes. It has a smooth, flour-like texture and is smaller in particle size than sand and larger than clay. Example: The Nile River delta is known for its fertile silt deposits.

When running water erodes rock and soil, it can create landforms such as valleys, canyons, gorges, and river deltas. Valleys and canyons are formed by the gradual erosion of the surrounding landscape, while river deltas are formed when sediment carried by the river is deposited at its mouth. Gorges are narrow valleys with steep sides, often carved out by fast-moving rivers.

There are typically five soil horizons: O (organic), A (topsoil), E (eluviated), B (subsoil), and C (parent material). Each horizon has unique characteristics and plays a key role in soil composition and function.

Soil can come in various colors depending on its composition. Common colors include red (high iron content), brown (high organic matter), black (rich in humus), gray (poorly drained), and white (high sand content). The color of soil can give clues about its fertility and composition.

"Sons of the soil" refers to individuals considered native to a particular region or locality based on their historical or ancestral ties to the area. In the context of human resources, this term can be relevant in discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly when addressing issues related to inclusivity and representation of local communities in the workplace.

The largest of the fine earth particles would be sand, which can be up to 2mm in diameter.

There are some soils that are composed of gravel, but they are not terribly widespread or important.

The optimum moisture content for clay is typically around 25-30%. This level allows for the clay to be easily molded and shaped without being too wet or too dry. Adjustments may need to be made based on the specific type of clay and its intended use.

Although there is evidence that our fruits and vegetables contain lesser amounts of nutrients and minerals than they did 20 years and 50 years ago, it is not clear whether this is solely from soil depletion or from some other cause such as non-organic farming practices and green harvesting as well. Some people would have us believe that because commercial farming practices often do not allow for fallow periods of the same duration as in the past - or any fallow at all - then our soils are depleted. Those who argue that our soils are not depleted say farmers enrich the soil, but in fact, for many farmers the only thing they put back is NPK.

With this plants will grow, but the vital micro and macronutrients will be missing. On an organic farm, soil quality is maintained through the use of organic matter like manure and field waste. These products are turned into useable nutrients by worms, nematodes, bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi and other organism in the soil. In contrast, soils on non-organic farms are often lacking in soil biota. Many of the beneficial micronutrients in the produce fall into the class of 'phenolics'. Plants make phenolics to repell pests and if the plants are sprayed with pesticides they have little need to produce phenolics and so produce far fewer, resulting in less nutritious food for us. A report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirmed that for several plant species there are fewer phenolics produced when chemical pesticides are used.

Intensive agriculture practices, such as soil tillage, irrigation, and heavy pesticide use, are responsible for most soil degradation in the prairies of the United States. These practices can lead to soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and loss of soil biodiversity, ultimately degrading the soil quality.

Rocks and soil contain naturally occurring radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium, and radium. These elements undergo radioactive decay, emitting radiation in the form of alpha, beta, and gamma particles. This radiation is typically low-level and not harmful to humans in small doses.

Clay can hold a significant amount of water, up to 25-30% by weight. The high absorption capacity of clay makes it useful for retaining moisture in soil, which can benefit plant growth. However, excessive water retention in clay soils can lead to poor drainage and potential waterlogging issues.

1 ton is defined as 2,000 pounds.

40,000 pounds = (40,000 / 2,000) = 20 tons.

It doesn't matter whether it's soil, lead, feathers, potatoes, wool, or whatever.

Hard dry soil can cause flooding because it has a reduced ability to absorb water. When it rains, the water runs off the surface of the hardened soil instead of being absorbed into the ground. This can lead to increased surface runoff and potential flooding in nearby areas.

a synonym for soiled would be: dirty,begrime,grime,colly, and bemire.

I don't understand what type of soil erosion you mean, but the simplest form of reducing soil erosion is by planting grasses, shrubs, and trees.

The roots hold down the soil and it is not whisked away by wind or precipitation.

A good example of soil erosion is the dust bowl in mid-west North America in the 1930's. Due to over irrigation, the soil was without nutrition and there was nothing for the roots to hold onto, so the plants died. And due to the lack of plants, the wind whisked away the dust, creating huge amounts of dust storms, covering whole cities for months at a time.

Hope this helps!

-DrkMnlight

The color of soil affects its temperature because dark-colored soil absorbs more sunlight and heat, warming up faster than light-colored soil, which reflects more sunlight. This difference in absorption and reflection of heat influences the overall temperature of the soil.

The process is called sedimentation. It occurs when eroded particles are carried by water or wind and deposited in a new location, forming layers of sediment over time.

Clay soil is most commonly waterlogged because its small particle size and poor drainage properties make it difficult for water to infiltrate and drain. This can lead to saturation and waterlogging of the soil, affecting plant growth and health.

Stepping in it produces a squishing noise--it's mud!

Plants grown--or trying to grow--in overly saturated soils will usually develop yellowing or whitening of the leaves, leaf-drop, necrosis (death) of at least some of the bark and woody material, and root-rot.

A common visual appearance is that of bare, greying branches poking above a struggling layer of leafy growth that never grows more

Soil organisms improve the soil by decomposing organic matter, releasing nutrients for plants, increasing soil aeration and drainage, and enhancing soil structure. Additionally, they help control pests and diseases, improving overall soil health and fertility.