The 3 Particles
What are the three main particles in soil?
Sand, silt, and clay
What is effective depth?
The zone in which plant roots can easily grow
compact, coherent soil not separated into peds -small pores, slow permeability, and poor aeration
What is the definition of clay?
A size term denoting particles, regardless of mineral composition, with a diameter less than two microns
What is botany?
The science of plants
How do you detect the approximate amount of clay in a soil sample?
Perform a ribbon test
What are some barriers for root growth caused by?
Massive soils, dense soil structure, poor internal drainage, abrupt texture changes between horizons, gravelly and large sands
Describe the characteristics of a single grain structureless type?
every grain acts independently, no binding agent holding grains together, and permeability is rapid
What is organic matter?
Matter found in or produced by, living animals and plants, which contains carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and often nitrogen and sulfur
What's the definition of climate?
The composite or generally prevailing weather conditions of a region, as temperature, air pressure, humidity, precipitation, sunshine, cloudiness, and winds, throughout the year, averaged over a series of years.
What kind of porosity does clay have?
Low porosity
What are some good conditions for effective depth?
Moderate and strong structure grades, and/or brown or red soils, which indicate good aeration
What is structure type?
The shape of a ped
What is a soil profile?
A vertical section of a soil. The section, or face of an exposure made by a cut, may exhibit with depth a succession of separate layers
What helps you determine the classification of soil using the three particles?
The textural triangle
4
What is structure grade?
What's a horizon(in soil terms)?
A layer of soil, approximately parallel to the surface, having distinct characteristics produced by soil-forming processes
What is water movement through the soil called?
permeability or internal drainage
What is the optimum soil to grow plants in?
A loam. This is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, among other things.
Name the different structure grades
Strong, moderate, weak, and structureless
What is important in soil structure formation?
Organic matter
What is leaching?
The removal of soluble constituents from soils or other materials by percolating water.
Why is good drainage in soil important?
Good drainage prevents damage to roots due to a lack of oxygen, while the storage of water in the soil allows roots to avoid drying out.