Soil Analysis Lecture Notes

A set of flashcards to help understand key concepts and vocabulary related to soil analysis, including definitions of soil profiles, composition, and classification methods.

Soil Profile

A vertical section of the soil from the surface to the underlying bedrock, consisting of different layers or horizons.

Regolith

The layer of loose, heterogeneous material covering solid rock, including soil, sediment, and rock fragments.

Soil Composition

The proportion of different components in soil, including mineral matter, organic matter, air, and water.

Soil Horizons

Layers of soil that differ in physical and chemical composition, typically labeled as O, A, B, C, and R.

Porosity

The volume of pore space in the soil, affecting the soil's ability to hold water and air.

Soil Texture Classes

Classification of soil based on the size of its particles, including sands, silts, clays, and loams.

Grain Size Distribution

The range of particle sizes in the soil, which influences its physical properties and behavior.

Hydrometer Analysis

A method to determine the particle size distribution in soils, particularly for fine particles like silt and clay.

Sieve Analysis

A technique used to assess the particle size distribution of coarse soil, measuring the mass retained in various sieves.

Munsell Color Chart

A standardized color system used to classify soil color based on hue, value, and chroma.