Soil Lecture Notes Review

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about soil composition, horizons, and processes.

Parent Material

The rock from which minerals in the soil originate.

Humus

Decaying organic material that provides nutrients and moisture for plants; gives soil its dark color.

Soil Profiles

Layers of soil that show different compositions and characteristics.

Horizons

Individual layers within a soil profile.

A Horizon (Topsoil)

The uppermost layer of soil, rich in organic material and humus.

Loam

A mixture of clay and silt, which is part of the best topsoil.

B Horizon (Subsoil)

The layer of soil beneath the topsoil, containing a combination of minerals and organic material and is lighter brown in color

C Horizon

The layer of soil containing parent material (bedrock or glacial deposits).

Leaching

The process where water moving downward through soil layers carries nutrients away, resulting in nutrient-poor soil.

Capillary Action

The upward movement of groundwater through soil capillaries, leaving minerals behind as water evaporates.

Calcification

The process where calcium and other minerals are deposited in the topsoil due to the evaporation of water.