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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 it called when an organic matter in soils decomposes and creates a layer?

The process you are referring to is called organic matter decomposition, which results in the formation of a layer of soil called humus. Humus is a dark, nutrient-rich material that improves soil structure and fertility.

How would you compare young soil to soil that has been around a long time?

Young soil is typically characterized by having fewer nutrients and organic matter compared to older soil. Young soil may also have a less developed soil structure and microbial community. Over time, older soil accumulates more nutrients, organic matter, and a richer diversity of microorganisms, making it more fertile and conducive to plant growth.

What are alluvial terraces?

Alluvial terraces are flat, elevated landforms found alongside river valleys. They are formed by the deposition of sediment carried by rivers during floods. These terraces provide fertile soil for agriculture and are common features in river valleys.

How well does loam hold water?

Loam soil holds water quite well due to its balanced texture of sand, silt, and clay particles, allowing it to retain moisture while also draining excess water. This makes it ideal for providing consistent moisture to plant roots without becoming waterlogged.

How do rock size and shape affect the quality of soil?

The size and shape of rocks in soil can impact factors such as water retention, aeration, and nutrient availability. Larger rocks can create air pockets and limit root growth, while smaller rocks can increase soil compaction. Irregularly shaped rocks can hinder water distribution and root penetration, affecting overall soil quality.

What amount of nitrates increase in the soil?

The amount of nitrates in soil can increase due to factors such as excessive fertilizer application, decomposition of organic matter, or runoff from agricultural activities. This increase in nitrates can lead to water pollution and harm ecosystems if not managed properly.

What is the soil in turkey?

The soil in Turkey varies, but it is generally composed of a mix of sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The country has diverse landscapes, from coastal regions with sandy soils to inland areas with more clay-based soils. Additionally, Turkey's soil can be influenced by factors such as climate, vegetation, and geological formations.

What are the importance of true density of soil?

The true density of soil is important for calculating porosity and void ratio, which affect the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients. It is also used to determine soil texture and compaction levels, which can impact plant growth and stability for construction projects. Additionally, true density can provide insights into soil composition and help assess soil quality for various applications.

Why is the B horizon known as the zone of accumulation?

The B horizon is known as the zone of accumulation because it is where minerals and nutrients that have leached from the A horizon above accumulate. These substances, like clay, iron, and organic matter, accumulate in the B horizon due to the downward movement of water through the soil profile.

Is loam soil permeable?

Yes, loam soil is permeable because it contains a balance of sand, silt, and clay particles that create pore spaces for water and air to flow through. This porosity allows for good drainage and aeration, making loam soil ideal for plant growth.

What are the tiny spaces between the particles of soil are called?

The tiny spaces between particles of soil are called pores. These pores can be filled with air or water, determining the soil's ability to hold water and support plant growth.

What type of soil takes the longest to allow water to pass through?

Clay soil takes the longest to allow water to pass through due to its small particles and high compaction. The dense structure of clay soil restricts water infiltration, leading to poor drainage and potential waterlogging issues. Improving clay soil with organic matter can help enhance its drainage capabilities.

Which soil is dark soft and crumbly?

The type of soil that fits this description is loam soil. Loam soil is nutrient-rich, has good drainage, and is a combination of sand, silt, and clay particles. It is ideal for plant growth due to its ability to retain moisture and nutrients.

What are three things humans have done to increase soil erosion?

Some things humans have done to increase soil erosion are:

  • Cutting down forests without leaving any trees (clear cutting)
  • Removing vegetation from slopes without replacing it
  • Not planting vegetation on slopes that are bare.

What are natural sources of potassium in soil?

Natural sources of potassium in soil include minerals such as feldspar, mica, and biotite, which release potassium as they weather. Organic matter, such as compost and manure, also contains potassium that becomes available to plants as it decomposes. Additionally, plant residues and decaying plant roots contribute to the potassium content in soil.

Why topsoil loss is considered a worldwide problem?

Topsoil loss is considered a worldwide problem because topsoil is crucial for agriculture and food production. It takes centuries to form a few centimeters of topsoil, and erosion rates are much higher than the rate of topsoil formation. Without fertile topsoil, it becomes difficult to grow crops and sustainably support the growing global population.

Explain the process of how fertile soil was creatednin mesotomia?

Fertile soil in Mesopotamia was created through a combination of natural factors such as the annual flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which deposited nutrient-rich silt onto the land. Farmers also practiced irrigation techniques to control water flow and ensure crops received sufficient water for growth. Over time, organic matter from plant residues and animal manure further enriched the soil, making it highly productive for agriculture.

Both the free-soil and know-nothing parties?

took members away from the major parties

How does soil vary from depth?

Soil properties can vary with depth due to factors like organic matter content, texture, nutrient levels, and pH. Generally, surface soil layers (topsoil) tend to have more organic matter and nutrients, while deeper layers may have different physical and chemical characteristics based on factors like weathering processes and root activity. The depth of the soil profile can also affect water retention, nutrient availability, and root growth.

How do biota in soil accelerate the process of soil formation?

Biota in soil help accelerate soil formation by breaking down organic matter into nutrients, facilitating the decomposition process. Their activities improve soil structure and increase aeration, water infiltration, and retention. The biota also contributes to nutrient cycling, which enriches the soil and supports plant growth, further promoting soil development.

What Carbon source would be available to a soil bacteria on a R2A plate?

The R2A (Reasoner's 2A) medium is specifically designed to support the growth of a diverse range of bacteria from various environments, including soil. This medium contains a mix of carbon sources, such as complex organic compounds like yeast extract and a low concentration of nutrients, aiming to mimic the conditions found in natural environments. Consequently, soil bacteria on an R2A plate could utilize a range of carbon sources present in the medium for their growth and metabolic activities.

What coliur is loam?

Loam is a soil type that typically has a dark brown color due to the organic matter content.

What Soil Horizon Has The Darkest And Richest Soil?

The soil horizon that has the darkest and richest soil is usually the topsoil layer, known as the A horizon. This layer contains a high amount of organic matter and nutrients, making it ideal for plant growth.

How are the soil changing through the stages of succession?

In early stages of succession, soil tends to be poor in nutrients and organic matter due to minimal plant growth and decomposition. As succession progresses, soil becomes enriched as plants grow, die, and decompose, adding organic matter and nutrients. Eventually, the soil in later stages of succession becomes more stable and nutrient-rich, supporting a diverse array of plant and animal life.