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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 soil has the roughest texture?

Clay soil generally has the roughest texture among the different types of soil. It is composed of very fine particles that form a sticky and dense texture when wet. This texture can make it difficult for water and roots to penetrate, resulting in poor drainage.

Is silt the same as potting soil?

No, silt and potting soil are not the same. Silt is a sediment that falls between sand and clay in terms of particle size, while potting soil is a mixture of organic matter and other ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite used for growing plants in containers.

Why would a hot and damp climate affect soil?

A hot and damp climate can accelerate the breakdown of organic matter in soil, leading to faster decomposition and nutrient leaching. It can also increase microbial activity, which can impact soil structure and fertility by affecting nutrient availability. Additionally, the high temperatures and moisture can promote the growth of certain pathogens and pests that can harm plants.

How does a forest fire make the soil richer?

A forest fire can make the soil richer by breaking down organic material in the form of plant matter and depositing nutrients back into the soil as ash. The ash left behind after a fire contains important minerals and nutrients that can promote new plant growth and replenish the soil. Additionally, the fire can open up the forest canopy, allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor, which can also stimulate plant growth.

Why is it that ships disappear over the horizon?

Ships appear to disappear over the horizon due to the curvature of the Earth. As a ship moves away from an observer, it eventually reaches a point where the curvature of the Earth blocks the line of sight between the observer and the ship, making it seem as though the ship has disappeared.

What type of soil is on the moon?

The rocks that were collected from the moon have been studied extensively for their mineral composition. Examination of "moon soil" samples (called regolith) have revealed some strikingly similarities to earth's geology.

Rocks made of basalt from volcanic eruptions and minerals, such as plagioclase feldspar and olivine, are exactly the kinds of rocks we find here on earth.

In striking contrast to the true soils that we have here on earth, there are no organic materials in moon dust. Organic materials come from the breakdown of living things, such as trees and animals. Since there's nothing living on the moon, the soil is not a true soil like we're used to here. It's gray with very fine grained particles like sand or even dust and extremely dry because there is no water on the moon. (Although scientists have theorized that there is water ice trapped in the polar regions of the moon).

Because the moon has no atmosphere to protect it from solar wind, molecules (like hydrogen, helium, neon, carbon and nitrogen) from the sun impact the moon's surface directly and are implanted into mineral grains. Scientists estimate that about 50% of the moon's surface composition is oxygen, bound up in silicate minerals!

Why does soil cool down quicker than water?

Soil does not have a higher specific heat than water.

Specific heat capacity, also known simply as specific heat (Symbol: C or c) is the measure of the heat energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one Kelvin (or degree Celsius). Water has a specific heat of 1 calorie / gram / degree C.

The specific heat of dry is soil is ~ 0.2 calorie / gram / degree C or ~ 5 times lower than the specific heat of water. The specific heat of moist soil is the weighted average of the water and mineral components of the soil .

Where would a geologist collect rocks and soil samples?

A geologist would typically collect rocks and soil samples from various locations such as outcrops, stream beds, mines, quarries, road cuts, or drill core samples. These samples are analyzed to understand the geological composition, structure, and history of an area.

What is the organic material formed in soil from the decayed remains of plants and animals are called?

The organic material formed in soil from the decayed remains of plants and animals is called humus. Humus is rich in nutrients and helps improve soil structure and fertility.

How do you use a false horizon with a sextant?

To use a false horizon with a sextant, you would need to create an artificial horizon with a still reflecting surface, such as oil in a pan or a small pool of water. You would then line up the celestial body you are measuring with its reflection on the artificial horizon, allowing you to take an accurate sextant reading. This method is useful when the true horizon is obscured or not visible.

What nutrients are in basalt?

Basalt itself does not contain nutrients. However, as basalt weathers over time, it releases essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and trace elements into the soil, which can benefit plant growth. Farmers may use crushed basalt rock dust as a soil amendment to enrich the soil with these nutrients.

Why is lack of fertile soil a problem to farmers?

Lack of fertile soil can be a problem for farmers because it can lead to poor crop yields and lower-quality produce. Without the necessary nutrients in the soil, plants may not be able to grow properly or reach their full potential. This can impact the farmer's income and overall productivity.

Why does it help or not help save soil?

Crop rotation helps save soil by reducing the depletion of specific nutrients and minimizing soil erosion. Intensive monoculture, on the other hand, can deplete soil nutrients and increase erosion, leading to soil degradation. Additionally, practices like cover cropping and no-till farming can also help preserve soil health by promoting organic matter and reducing erosion.

Is potting soil natural or man made?

Potting soil is a man-made product that consists of a mixture of natural materials such as peat, compost, perlite, and vermiculite. It is formulated specifically for growing plants in containers and does not occur naturally in the environment.

What does black soil contain?

Chernozem (from Russian чернозём, black soil), also known as "black land" or "black earth", is a black-coloured soil containing a very high percentage of humus - 3% to 15%, and high percentages of phosphoric acids, phosphorus and ammonia. Chernozem is very fertile and produces a high agricultural yield.

What kind of soil type substrate do centipedes prefer?

Centipedes generally prefer moist soil with good drainage. A mix of sand and peat moss or coconut coir can work well as a substrate for centipedes, providing both moisture retention and proper drainage. It's also important to provide hiding spots and places for burrowing in the substrate for their comfort and well-being.

The function of roots taking up water and minerals from soil?

Roots absorb water and minerals from the soil through specialized structures called root hairs. Water and minerals are then transported through the plant via the xylem tissue to the rest of the plant for various physiological processes such as photosynthesis and growth.

Does salnity increase?

Salinity can increase in bodies of water when water evaporates, leaving behind dissolved salts. Additionally, human activities such as agriculture and industry can contribute to increased salinity through the discharge of salty wastewater. Global climate change can also impact salinity levels in oceans due to changes in precipitation patterns and ice melting.

What instrument measures moisture in soil?

Tensiometers
Protimeter products and instruments for measuring moisture and temperature in materials and the environment. Such instruments are used for wood, civil engineering and agriculture or any area where the presence of moisture is to be detected

What is the ecology role of liverworts and mosses to the terrestrial environment?

In the modern world the economic uses of mosses and liverworts are not immediately obvious. But they do have an important and subtle ecological role, both in water-retention and stabilising mobile surfaces like landslips, scree slopes and sand dunes. Examination of almost any handful of moss will also reveal another important ecological role - that of providing shelter and humidity for a remarkable diversity of invertebrates. This is an integral part of the food web in many of our important habitats.

What resources can be replaced at the same rate as consumption?

I hope this list answers your question, though there are many more:

  • Food
  • Wood
  • Energy ('useful' energy, including electricity. Remember that energy, under normal circumstances, cannot be created or destroyed)
  • A product in reasonable demand (not so much that demand outstrips supply)

I hope this is enough (please add)
It is called renewable.

Is it possible that we could use trees to humanize the soil of extra-terrestrial planets?

While trees could potentially be used to improve soil quality on extra-terrestrial planets, it may not be practical due to the harsh conditions and lack of necessary elements to support plant life. Alternative methods, like using synthetic soil additives or hydroponic systems, may be more feasible for cultivating plant life in extraterrestrial environments.

When dead plants and animals decompose what happens to the matter that it made of?

The matter from the dead plants and animals is broken down by decomposers like bacteria and fungi. It is then recycled back into the ecosystem in the form of nutrients, which can be taken up by plants to support new growth. This process is essential for sustaining life in the ecosystem.

What biogeochemical cycles are dependent on the rock cycle?

The phosphorus cycle is dependent on the rock cycle because phosphorus is released from rocks through weathering processes, entering the biogeochemical cycle. Similarly, the calcium cycle is also linked to the rock cycle as calcium is stored in rocks like limestone and released through weathering. Additionally, the sulfur cycle interacts with the rock cycle as sulfur compounds in rocks can be released through weathering and volcanic activity.

What are the disadvantages of modern farming?

they put some stuff on plant like grow fast but if u want fresh fruitss or vegtiblles u have to eat the fruit or vegtiblles after picking them if it pasted more than 3 horse after picking them they wont be fresh