Dirt
Are all soil profiles the same? Why or why not?
Nope! They are different in different regions depending on climate, organisms/plants/environment.
List the all soil horizons from BOTTOM to TOP.
R - C - B - E - A - O
Is soil a renewable or a nonrenewable resource? Why?
Non-renewable, because it can take hundreds or thousands of years to build back just one inch of topsoil.
What is the deepest horizon?
R horizon - Bedrock
Describe one example of physical weathering.
Answers vary
What is the difference between a solid profile and a soil horizon?
A soil profile is a vertical slide showing all the horizons of the soil, while a soil horizon is one of those layers.
Why is soil important? Name 1 for credit, any additional function stated is a 100 point bonus! (3)
No, "helps plants grow" or "for agriculture". We know those already.
If og group can't answer additional functions, we go in turn to other groups.
Stores/filters water
Cycles nutrients by breaking down organic matter
Provides habitats for organisms
What is soil? Name all 4 components correctly for a bonus 100 points!!
A mixture of minerals, air, water, and organic matter.
In what soil horizon is there a loose texture that allows roots to spread.
A - Topsoil
Describe one example of chemical weathering.
Answers vary
Name the 6 soil horizons. Fancy name AND layman name.
O - Organic Layer
A - Top Soil
E - Eluviation
B - Accumulation
C - Parent Material
R - Bedrock
What happens when too much erosion occurs?
Loose topsoil
Secret Bonus 100pts = Desertification
What is the most fragile soil horizon?
A horizon (Topsoil)
*O horizon (Organic Layer) can be accepted*
What layer contains humus?
O horizon - Organic Layer
What is the process of decomposition? AND what is released during decomposition?
The breaking down of dead plants and animals into organic matter.
Nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Carbon
What % of Earth's land is used for agriculture?
40%
Name the soil horizons that are more soil-based and which soil horizons are more rock-based.
O-A-E-B -->Soil
C-R --> Rock
What is Salinization?
The process where soil/water becomes salty due to the buildup of dissolved salts.
What causes Salinization?
Irrigation
What is humus?
Humus - A dark, loose, nutrient-rich substance
Describe the characteristics of the O and A horizons
O layer = unprocessed organic matter
A layer = mineral soil WITH broken down organic matter
What is the process of minerals and nutrients being washed out of the soil called
Distinction Bonus! - Answer the question below for 100 more points.
When these mineral and nutrients are carried away we call this...
Eluviation
Distinction Bonus - Leaching
How is soil formed - 3 ways for full points
Physical Weathering, Chemical Weathering, and Decomposition.
Redemption/Bonus - 200pts: What is the difference between Physical and Chemical Weathering?
How does salinization impact plant growth? why?
Reduces plant growth/kills plants. The built up salt prevents water from getting soaked up by the plant roots.
Describe the characteristics of B horizon (Subsoil).
Collects mineral/nutrients leached from E horizon
It's reddish/brown