Definitions #1
Porosity
The amount, size and arrangement of pores
Organisms
speed up the breakdown of large soil particles into smaller ones
What methods are used for evaluating soil texture?
Texture triangle, Mason jar test, soil ribboning
Organic Layer (O)
Living things carry on life activities, takes 100 - 600 years to form
What type of climate is ideal for soil formation?
warm and moist
Permeadbility
rate at which water moves through soil
Relief
make a difference in how much sunlight and water the soil gets
What are the characteristics of the following: Sand
The largest particles, Sands are loosely held together and will feel gritty, Coarse soils, like sands and gravels, have relatively large pores but very few.
Topsoil (A)
Small rock and mineral fragments. Dark in color
When referring to soil formation, what is the definition of relief?
Landscape or Topography
Water Holding Capacity
the ability of a soil to hold water for plant use
Parent Material
Refers to the material that the soil originally came from
What are the characteristics of the following: Silt
The 2nd largest particles, Silts are medium-sized and feel soft and silky
Subsoil (B)
Clay, rock fragments, minerals. Lighter in color than topsoil
Which type of soil has the highest rate of permeability?
Sand
Soil Texture
the size and relative proportion of mineral particles in the soil
Soil Profile
The arrangement of soil horizons
What are the characteristics of the following: Clay
The smallest particles, Important in holding nutrients. Clays feel sticky and are hard to squeeze. Will hold more water than coarse-textured soils but may not be ideal
Parent Material (C)
Partly weathered rock fragments. orangish, yellow color
Which of the following soil layers takes 100-600 years to form and is where living things are found?
Organic Layer
Climate
the weather conditions of a specific area over a long period of time
What are the 5 components of soil?
Minerals, water, air, organic matter, organisms
What is determined by the size and relative proportion of mineral particles in the soil?
Soil texture
Bedrock (R)
Unweathered parent material
Why is the topsoil darker than the subsoil?
More organic matter