Soil Formation
What is organic matter?
Dead matter from living things.
What is the ideal soil texture for plants?
Loamy
Define Soil Structure
Soil structure is an important physical property that influences water and nutrient flow, aeration of plants and microbes, and resistance to soil erosion and compaction, which affects plant growth.
Define Decomposition
Decaying/breaking down matter.
What is soil erosion?
Weathering the upper layer of soil
Weathering the upper layer of soil
What are some types of soil texture?
and, Silt, Clay, Chalky, Loam, Peat etc.
What is the structure of platy soil?
It's flat and plate-like
What are Biological Properties?
The living organisms found in the soil include both micro- and macroplants and/or animals
A typical soil profile has at LEAST three layers in this order starting at the soil surface:
A,B,C Horizons
What is drainage rate?
Drainage rate is the rate at which water passes through the soil.
What is the structure of Prismatic soil?
Are bounded by flat or slightly rounded vertical faces.
What is pore formation
Soil pores exist between and within aggregates and are occupied by water and air. Macropores are large soil pores, usually between aggregates.
What are the three layers that form the soil profile?
Top Soil, Subsaoil, Parent Rock.
What is the difference between light and heavy soils?
Light soil soil high in sand, and heavy soils are made up largely of clay.
What is the structure of Granular soil?
Separates almost entirely into discrete units that are loosely packed, roughly and spherical.
Inorganic things grow in what?
Vermiculite
What is Topography?
The breakdown of soil and the shape of the land's surface and how it affects soil formation.
Define Clayey Soil
A type of soil made up of fine particle sizes. It contributes to slow drainage and poor aeration, easily compacted, high water holding capacity and ability to hold nutrients.
Why is only the water held between field capacity and wilting point considered to be plant available?
Retained against the force of gravity, but not so tightly that it cannot be extracted by plants.
Most horticulture plants prefer what pH range?
5.5-7.0