Soil

Three things that make up soil are called matter.Matter is made of solid liquid and gas.

Mining can lead to topsoil erosion and contamination, impacting soil quality and fertility. It can also disrupt and displace wildlife habitats, leading to loss of biodiversity and potential harm to wildlife populations. Mitigation measures, such as soil conservation practices and habitat restoration, can help minimize these impacts.

Soil moisture stress occurs when plants do not receive adequate water from the soil to meet their physiological needs, resulting in wilting, reduced growth, and ultimately, crop yield loss. This stress can be caused by factors such as insufficient rainfall, poor irrigation practices, or high temperatures leading to increased evaporation. Monitoring and managing soil moisture levels are crucial for plant health and productivity.

The best information that I can find is that northern Alabama's physiography consists of sections of slightly to moderately tilted, older sedimentary rocks and sections of steeply folded or faulted sedimentary rock. Agriculture consists of cotton, feed grains, livestock and poultry. Goode's World Atlas, 21st Edition ---- Essentially, what you are looking for can be found on what is known as a Soils Survey transcript or a Soils Series map. A terrific resource for this information is the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. They provide online mapping and transcripts for all soils located within the United States. http://www.mo15.nrcs.usda.gov/states/al_soils_graphic.html The map located at the link above (which is also attached as a Related Link) shows that the majority of the soil located in the northern portion of Alabama is classified as "Limestone Valleys and Uplands" and "Appalachian Plateau". http://www.mo15.nrcs.usda.gov/states/al_soils.html The link above (which is also attached as a Related Link) provides a detailed description of the contents of each of these soil groups. Quoted from the above link: Soils in this area were formed mainly in residuum weathered from limestones. Soils of the Tennessee and Coosa river valleys were weathered from pure limestones and are mainly red clayey soils with silt loam surface textures. Decatur and Dewey soils are extensive throughout the valleys. The Appalachian Plateau comprises Cumberland, Sand, Lookout, Gunter, Brindlee, Chandler, and other smaller mountains. Most of the soils are derived from sandstone or shale.

The more level areas are dominated by Nauvoo, Hartsells, and Wynnville soils which were formed in residuum from sandstone. They have a loamy subsoil and a fine sandy loam surface layer. http://soils.usda.gov/survey/online_surveys/alabama/ The link above, (which is also attached as a Related Link), provides a listing of various counties located within Alabama. Select your county or the county closest to you for more detailed soils information pertinent to your area.

Soil profiles contain layers because of the different processes that contribute to soil formation, such as weathering, organic matter accumulation, and soil organisms activity. Each layer represents a distinct stage in soil development and can provide information about the history and characteristics of the soil.

Soil texture affects properties such as drainage, water holding capacity, root penetration, and nutrient availability. Finer-textured soils like clay hold water more easily but can have poor drainage, while coarser-textured soils like sand drain quickly but may not retain water and nutrients well. Root penetration and nutrient availability can also be influenced by the texture of the soil.

River valleys tend to have the most fertile soil due to the regular deposit of nutrient-rich sediment from flooding. This process creates a nutrient-dense layer of topsoil that is highly conducive to agriculture.

Soil horizons are ordered from top to bottom as O, A, E, B, C, and R horizons. The O horizon is the top organic layer, followed by the A horizon of topsoil. The E horizon is a zone of leaching, the B horizon contains minerals leached from above, the C horizon consists of partially weathered parent material, and the R horizon is unaltered bedrock.

The soil conditions in the west coast forest vegetation region typically include well-drained, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter due to the decomposition of fallen leaves and plant material. The soil is often nutrient-rich, supporting the diverse plant life found in these forests. The high rainfall in this region also contributes to leaching of minerals and nutrients from the soil.

Small particles of soil are called "soil particles" or "soil grains." These particles can vary in size from sand particles to silt and clay particles.

Factors that can affect the type of soil in an area include climate (temperature and precipitation), parent material (original rock or sediment), topography (slope and elevation), organisms (plants and animals), and time for soil formation processes to occur. Human activities such as agriculture and urbanization can also influence soil type.

Approximately 58% of the carbon in the Earth's carbon cycle is found in soil. This carbon is stored in various forms, including organic matter in the soil itself and in plant roots. Soil is a crucial reservoir for carbon storage and plays a significant role in the global carbon cycle.

The uppermost layer of soil is called topsoil. This layer is where most plants grow and where organic matter accumulates, providing nutrients for plant growth.

The upper layer of saturated rock and soil is called the water table. It represents the boundary between the unsaturated zone above, where pores contain both air and water, and the saturated zone below, where all pores are filled with water.

Irrigation can damage soil by causing waterlogging, which reduces oxygen levels in the soil and hinders plant root growth. Excessive irrigation can also lead to salinization of the soil, where salts accumulate due to evaporation, making it less fertile. Additionally, improper irrigation practices can contribute to soil erosion by washing away topsoil and nutrients.

Seas do not directly create soil but they contribute to the formation of soil through the erosion of rocks and minerals along coastlines. As waves break against coastal rocks, they gradually wear them down into smaller pieces, creating sediment that can be transported by rivers and deposited on land. Over time, this sediment can accumulate, mix with organic matter, and eventually develop into soil through processes like weathering and decomposition.

Vegetation plays a crucial role in maintaining soil health by preventing erosion, improving soil structure, and adding organic matter through the decomposition of plant material. Plant roots help to anchor soil in place, preventing it from being washed or blown away. The presence of vegetation also encourages the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms that aid in nutrient cycling and soil fertility.

Antarctic soil typically has low porosity due to the presence of ice which reduces pore space available for air and water. The freezing and thawing cycles in Antarctica can further compact the soil, decreasing its porosity.

Decayed organic material in soil is called humus. Humus is rich in nutrients and helps improve soil structure, water retention, and fertility. It is a key component of healthy soil ecosystems.

Podzol soils are acidic and nutrient-poor, with a distinct horizon pattern that includes an organic surface layer (O horizon), a light-colored leached layer (E horizon), and a dark-colored accumulation layer (A horizon). They are common in cool, humid regions where coniferous forests dominate.

Sandy soil has larger particles, which creates larger pore spaces that allow water to drain quickly through the soil. This means that sandy soil dries out quickly after rainfall. In contrast, clay soil has smaller particles and smaller pore spaces, which causes water to drain more slowly. This can lead to water logging in clay soil after rainfall.

Sun-drying soil samples can lead to uneven drying and alter the composition of the soil by evaporating or leaching out important nutrients and organic matter. This can result in inaccurate test results and misinterpretation of soil properties. It is best to air-dry soil samples in a shaded, well-ventilated area to preserve their integrity for analysis.

Limestone is good for soil because it can help to raise the pH level, making the soil less acidic. This can improve nutrient availability to plants and beneficial soil organisms. Additionally, limestone can help to improve soil structure and moisture retention.

Manure is good for soil primarily because it adds organic matter, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms that help improve soil structure, fertility, and overall health. It also helps increase soil moisture retention and promotes the growth of beneficial soil organisms, which further enhance plant growth and crop yield.

Montreal has a mix of soil types due to its diverse geology. Common soil types in Montreal include clay, silt, and sand, with variations depending on the specific area within the city. The soil composition can also vary due to human activities and urban development.