Soil Composition
what are the 3 main components of soil
minerals, organic matter, water
this soil is known for its ablility to retain moisture and nutrients
loam
this process is involves breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller particles contributing to soil formation
weathering
this human activity is a major cause of soil erosion leading to loss of topsoil
deforestation
this involves planting different crops in a specific sequence to improve soil health
crop rotation
This component of soil is primarily made up of decayed plant and animal matter
organic matter
this soil has very fine particles and can become waterlogged
clay
the accumulation of organic material from decaying plants and animals contributes to this layer of soil
topsoil
planting crops in rows parallel to the contours of the land to reduce soil erosion
contour plowing
the planting of trees and shrubs to act as a barrier against wind erosion
windbreaks
this component of soil helps to retain moisture and nutrients
clay
this one is gritty and drains quickly
sandy soil
this weathering involves the physical breakdown of rocks without chemical change
mechanical weathering
the removal of vegetation which leads to soil erosion is caused by what
overgrazing
this soil conservation method involves creating terraces on slops to reduce runoff
terracing
this is the largest particle in soil which provide good drainage but poor nutrient retention
sand
this soil is rich in organic matter and has a dark color
humus
involves chemical alteration of minerals in rocks
chemical weathering
sheet erosion
planting cover crops during the off season to protect soil from erosion
cover cropping
this component of soil is essential for plant growth and often added as fertilizer
nutrients
this soil is often found in arid regions and contains high levels of salt
saline soil
the movement of soil and rock from one location to another by water, wind, ice is what?
erosion
this term describes the wearing away of soil by wind action
wind erosion
this method of soil conservation involves leaving crop residues on the field after harvest to protect soil
no-till farming