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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

How soil influence trade?

Soil quality can influence trade by affecting agricultural productivity and crop yields. Regions with fertile soil may have a comparative advantage in producing certain crops, which can lead to increased exports and trade opportunities. Conversely, regions with poor soil may struggle to produce certain crops, leading to a reliance on imports for those products.

When a person walks on soft soil what is soft behind?

Footprints, when an animal walks across mud or soft soil, tracks are left.

What are the properties of silt soil?

Silt soil has moderate fertility, good water retention capacity, and fine particle size between sand and clay. It tends to be well-draining and can hold moisture better than sandy soil. It is susceptible to compaction when wet.

What is another name for black soil?

Another name for black soil is "regur soil" or "black cotton soil."

In the soil and sand bottle which type of soil is on the bottom Why?

Sand is usually placed at the bottom of a soil and sand bottle because it is the heaviest material and helps with drainage. Placing sand at the bottom allows for better aeration and prevents waterlogging of the soil above.

Why is paper an organic material?

Paper is considered an organic material because it is primarily derived from plant fibers, such as wood pulp. These plant fibers are organic compounds that are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. As such, paper can be decomposed by biological processes and is considered part of the organic carbon cycle of the environment.

What is a soil mottles?

Soil mottles are patches or spots of color in soil that indicate variations in water content and oxygen levels. They can appear as reddish, yellowish, or bluish spots and are often caused by processes like waterlogging, iron oxidation, or organic matter decomposition. Soil mottles provide insights into the soil's drainage patterns and can help assess its health and productivity.

How do land use effect soil?

Land use practices such as urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation can impact soil health by causing erosion, compaction, nutrient depletion, and contamination with chemicals or pollutants. These activities can alter the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil, affecting its capacity to support plant growth and sustain ecosystem functions. Proper land management practices are essential to minimize negative impacts on soil quality and productivity.

What conservation methods are used in desert soils?

Some conservation methods used in desert soils include mulching to retain moisture, contour plowing to prevent erosion, planting drought-resistant plants, and using organic compost to improve soil fertility. These methods help to protect the fragile desert ecosystem and promote sustainable agriculture in arid regions.

Why does potters use clayey soil to make pots and lamps?

Potters use clayey soil to make pots and lamps because clay has unique properties that make it ideal for shaping and molding. Clay is easily pliable when wet, allowing the potter to create various shapes and designs. When fired in a kiln, clay becomes hard and durable, making it suitable for holding liquids or serving as a vessel for light.

When nitrogen is returned to the soil when dead plants decompose the interaction is between which earth spheres?

When nitrogen is returned to the soil through the decomposition of dead plants, the interaction is primarily between the biosphere (dead plants) and the geosphere (soil). The nitrogen is cycled through these two spheres as part of nutrient recycling in ecosystems.

What would happen if the seeds are planted too deep in the soil?

If seeds are planted too deep in the soil, they may struggle to sprout and emerge through the surface. This can hinder their access to necessary light and nutrients, leading to weak or stunted seedlings. In severe cases, seeds planted too deep may fail to germinate at all.

What is the importance of mineral matter in the soil.?

Mineral matter in the soil provides essential nutrients for plant growth, including elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It also helps to improve soil structure and drainage, which are important for root development and water uptake by plants. Additionally, mineral matter plays a role in supporting beneficial soil microorganisms that contribute to overall soil health.

What are the elements that originate from the earth's soil and water but is needed in the body?

Minerals, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron, originate from the earth's soil and water but are essential for the body's proper functioning. These minerals play important roles in various bodily functions like bone health, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and oxygen transport.

Which state in the US has the richest farming soil?

Iowa is considered to have some of the richest farming soil in the United States due to its nutrient-rich loess soil. This fertile soil coupled with a favorable climate makes Iowa a leading state in agricultural production, particularly for corn and soybeans.

Where is the soil richest in the US.?

The Midwest region of the US, specifically the states of Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, is known for having some of the richest soil in the country. This area is part of the Corn Belt and is highly productive for agricultural purposes. The fertile soil in this region is a result of the glaciers that once covered the area and left behind nutrient-rich sediment.

What is an artificial horizon?

An artificial horizon is an instrument used in aircraft to visually display the aircraft's attitude relative to the Earth's horizon in situations where natural horizon cues are unavailable or unreliable, such as when flying through clouds or in poor visibility. It helps pilots maintain control and stability by providing a reference for pitch and bank angles.

What term is defined as the movement of soil by wind or water?

The term is erosion, which refers to the process of soil being displaced and carried away by wind or water.

Are soils the same everywhere?

No, soils vary widely. The grains which compose them vary with the rocks which were weathered to form them. This means there are different chemicals in the soils. The grain size has big effects on how the soil behaves, for instance clay soils retain water and sandy soils drain freely. The type of plants which grow there can change the nature of the soil, for instance its pH. The weather can affect things over time, e.g. by soluble nutrients being leached out by heavy rain. All that is aside from the things we might alter deliberately.

What are the natural anchors that tie layers of soil together on a slope?

The roots of grasses (shallow, but helps to prevent the rain washing away the soil), shrubs (deeper) and trees (deeper still and stronger). When people remove or cut down trees and other growth off a slope, wet weather is likely to saturate the soil and landslides are likely.

What is one way biota effects soil formation?

Biota (living organisms) can affect soil formation by contributing organic matter through the decomposition of plant material, which enriches the soil with nutrients. In addition, roots of plants can physically break up rock and soil, aiding in the process of soil formation.

When testing soil composition in various locations scientists are able to determine the age of the earth's?

Scientists determine the age of the Earth through radiometric dating methods, which analyze the decay of radioactive isotopes in rocks and minerals. By studying the composition of soil in different locations, scientists can establish a timeline of geological processes that have shaped the Earth, providing insights into its age and history.

What type of tests does a competent person need to perform in order to classify soil?

A competent person would need to conduct tests such as sieve analysis, hydrometer analysis, Atterberg limits tests, moisture content determination, and soil classification tests based on the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) or AASHTO classification system to accurately classify soil types.