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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 the mean of soil where once rocks?

The mean of soil where rocks were once present will depend on the composition of the rocks that have weathered into the soil. The mean may reflect a mix of minerals and organic matter derived from the rocks, influencing factors like nutrient content, pH, and texture of the soil. It is common for soils derived from rocks to be nutrient-rich due to the decomposition of minerals in the rocks.

What is an estimate of the amount of soil erosion that drains from an unprotected residential lot during construction?

The amount of soil erosion that drains from an unprotected residential lot during construction can vary depending on factors such as slope, soil type, and weather conditions. On average, it can range from 5 to 10 tons of soil per acre per year. Implementing erosion control measures can significantly reduce the amount of soil erosion during construction.

What are the Nutrients in silt soil?

Silt soil typically contains essential nutrients for plant growth such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Additionally, silt soil may also contain micronutrients like iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. These nutrients contribute to the overall fertility of the soil and support healthy plant growth.

Explains how subsoil becomes rich in minerals?

Subsoil becomes rich in minerals through the process of weathering, where rocks are broken down into smaller particles. This allows minerals to be released and accumulate in the subsoil layer over time. Additionally, the decomposition of organic matter can contribute to the mineral content in the subsoil as minerals are released from decaying plant material.

Minerals move downward through soils in a process through?

The soil had a wealth of minerals, trace elements, and rich humus. Some of these deposits are exceedingly rich in a little known substance called fulvic acid.

How is soil important in the hydrologic carbon and nutrient cycles?

Soil plays a crucial role in the hydrologic cycle by affecting water infiltration, storage, and movement. It helps regulate carbon cycles through processes like photosynthesis, decomposition, and carbon sequestration. Additionally, soil acts as a vital reservoir and source of nutrients for plants, microorganisms, and organisms in terrestrial ecosystems.

What land formation has Stanley noticed on the horizon?

Stanley has noticed a tall, jagged mountain range in the distance on the horizon.

Why the tundra soil has a low permeability?

Tundra soil has low permeability due to its composition of mainly gravel, sand, and permafrost, which restricts water infiltration. Additionally, the cold temperatures in the tundra inhibit the microbial activity that helps break down organic matter and improve soil structure, further reducing permeability.

Water that sinks into soil?

Water that sinks into soil is called infiltration. It moves down through soil layers until it reaches the water table, replenishing groundwater supplies. Infiltration is important for recharging aquifers, supporting plant growth, and sustaining ecosystems.

How might irrigation harm soil and soil organisims?

Over-irrigation can lead to waterlogging of soil, making it difficult for oxygen to reach plant roots and soil organisms. This can suffocate soil organisms and disrupt their habitats. Additionally, excess irrigation can leach nutrients from the soil, causing nutrient imbalances that impact soil health and organism diversity.

How could you test a soils porosity?

To test a soil's porosity, you can use a simple method like pouring a known volume of water onto the soil and measuring how much water is absorbed. Divide the absorbed water volume by the total volume of the soil sample to determine the porosity percentage. Alternatively, you can use more advanced methods such as using a soil core sampler to extract samples and determining porosity in a laboratory setting through techniques like the water displacement method.

What are the uses of brown soil?

Brown soil, also known as loam soil, is a versatile soil type that is ideal for gardening and farming. It has a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, making it fertile and well-draining. Brown soil supports healthy plant growth and is suitable for a wide range of crops and ornamental plants.

What are the two factors of greatest soil formation?

Climate and parent material are considered the two factors of greatest soil formation. Climate influences the rate of weathering and organic matter decomposition, while parent material determines the initial composition of the soil.

What causes much of the soil on mainland to be thin and rocky?

Mainland soil is often thin and rocky due to the natural weathering of rocks over time, erosion from wind and water, and the movement of glaciers during the last Ice Age. These processes contribute to the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles, creating the rocky and thin soil typically found on mainland areas.

Soil exhaustion might lead to what kind of additional problems?

Soil exhaustion can lead to decreased crop yields, increased susceptibility to pests and diseases, and reduced water retention capacity. Additionally, it can contribute to soil erosion and nutrient runoff, leading to environmental degradation.

How can people help conserve soil?

People can help conserve soil by implementing practices such as reducing tillage, practicing crop rotation, planting cover crops, and minimizing erosion through the use of terracing and contour farming. Additionally, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and promoting sustainable agriculture methods can also contribute to soil conservation efforts.

A layer of soil that differs from the layers above and below it?

This layer of soil is known as a horizon, and it forms due to the accumulation of distinct materials or processes. Horizons exhibit variations in color, texture, structure, and composition, providing insights into the soil's formation and properties. They are important indicators for understanding soil quality and suitability for various agricultural or construction purposes.

The texture or particle size of soil determines?

The texture or particle size of soil determines its drainage, water retention, and aeration properties. Fine-textured soils like clay hold onto water and nutrients better but can be poorly aerated, while coarse-textured soils like sand drain quickly but may not retain water well.

The downward movement of soil is called?

The downward movement of soil is called soil erosion. This occurs when soil particles are carried away by water, wind, or other natural forces, leading to the depletion of fertile topsoil. Erosion can have negative effects on agriculture, water quality, and the environment.

The majority of minerals nutrients and organic material is found in which layer of soil?

The majority of mineral nutrients and organic material is found in the topsoil layer of soil. Topsoil is typically rich in nutrients and organic matter due to the presence of decomposing plant and animal material, as well as microbial activity that helps break down organic matter into nutrients.

A soil sample contains sand clay and silt order these three inorganic types of matter from smallest to largest particle size?

Clay has the smallest particle size, followed by silt and then sand. Sand particles are the largest in size among the three types of inorganic matter found in soil samples.

3. How does the bare soil surface type affect the amount of runoff?

Bare soil surfaces tend to increase surface runoff because they have low infiltration rates, meaning water does not easily penetrate the soil. This can lead to erosion, sedimentation of water bodies, and reduced groundwater recharge. Vegetation cover, on the other hand, helps to slow down runoff by increasing infiltration and reducing surface flow.

What is the Horizon Line in 2PP?

The horizon line in a two-point perspective drawing represents where the sky meets the ground or other elements in the scene. It is a horizontal line that helps to establish the viewer's eye level and vanishing points in the composition.

What the process of water moving down through the soil called?

This is known as percolation or groundwater recharge.