AEST Natural Resources Specialist Certification

renewable resource

Naturally replenished over short periods of time (takes less than 100 years to form)

nonrenewable resource

Naturally formed more slowly than we use them (takes more than 100 years to form)

perpetual resource

resource that last forever

o horizon

The top layer of soil made of fresh to partially decomposed organic matter

a horizon

Topsoil; Made of highly decomposed, mixed up organic matter

e horizon

Eluviated; Materials have leached out of this layer

b horizon

Subsoil; Has a high accumulation of clay content due to leaching from the layers above

c horizon

Parent Material; Consists of weathered bedrock

r horizon

Bedrock; Made of unweathered rocks

alfisols

soils with subsurface horizons of silicate clay accumulation and moderate to high base saturation

ultisols

soils with subsurface horizons of silicate clay accumulation and low to very low base saturation

entisols

soils with little or no morphological development

spodosols

soils with subsurface horizons of amorphous accumulations or of cementation with iron oxides

sand

largest-sized soil particle; high porosity

silt

medium-sized soil particle; moderate porosity

clay

smallest-sized soil particle; low porosity

cation exchange capacity

a property of soil that describes its capacity to supply nutrient cations to the soil solution for plant uptake;

influences the soil's ability to hold nutrients and provide a buffer against acidification

anion exchange capacity

the positive charge available to attract anions in solution

point source pollution

Pollution from a single, identifiable source

nonpoint source pollution

Pollution from many places, spread over a large area

eutrophication

excess phosphorous and other nutrients found in water; usually due to pollution from agriculture. Excess nutrients in the water cause algae growth to increase. This decreases dissolved oxygen levels, resulting in the death of aquatic species.

clean water act

Established in 1972, creates the basic structure for regulating pollutants released into water and regulating quality standards for surface water. Allows for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement pollution control programs and wastewater standards.

marshes

Wetlands frequently or continually filled with water, characterized by soft-stemmed vegetation adapted to saturated soil conditions. They recharge groundwater, help reduce damage caused by floods, and use excess nutrients that could pollute surface water.

Tidal marshes

Found along the coast and can be fresh, salt, or brackish water. Each marsh has two distinct zones, the lower (intertidal) marsh and the upper (high) marsh. They protect shorelines from storms, slow shoreline erosion, and absorb excess nutrients before they reach other areas.

nontidal marshes

Mostly freshwater and occur along streams in poorly drained depressions and in shallow waters along the boundaries of surface water. They contain highly organic, mineral rich soils and, therefore, are one of the most productive ecosystems. They also sustain a large variety of plants and animals.

swamps

Wetland dominated by woody plants. Characterized by saturated soils during the growing season and standing water during other times of the year. They help with flood protection and nutrient removal and are home to a wide diversity of plants and animals due to the rich deposits of alluvial soil from floods.

bogs

Characterized by spongy peat deposits, acidic waters, and a floor covered by a thick layer of sphagnum moss. They receive most of their water from precipitation and, therefore, have soil low in nutrients. They prevent downstream flooding and provide a habitat to animals threatened by human development.

fens

Peat-forming wetlands that receive nutrients from sources other than precipitation. They are less acidic and have higher nutrient levels. They prevent and reduce the risk of floods, improve water quality, and provide a habitat for unique plant and animal communities.

Pinus elliottii

slash pine

Taxodium distichum

bald cypress

Ilex myrtifolia

myrtle holly

Acer rubrum

red maple

Liquidambar styraciflua

sweetgum

Serenoa repens

saw palmetto

Gordonia lasianthus

loblolly bay

Ammodramus maritimus nigrescens

dusky seaside sparrow

Puma concolor couguar

eastern cougar

Ectopistes migratorius

passenger pigeon

Gymnogyps californianus

california condor

Puma concolor coryi

florida panther

Campephilus imperialis

imperial woodpecker

Odocoileus virginianus clavium

key deer

Canis rufus

red wolf

Drymarchon couperi

eastern indigo snake

Aphelocoma coerulescens

florida scrub jay

Mycteria americana

wood stork