Soil Formation and Classification Lecture Notes FLASHCARDS

These flashcards cover essential concepts about soil profiles, formation factors, and types of soil discussed in the lecture.

What is the A horizon in soil profile?

The A horizon is the uppermost layer that has weathered out and had materials moved from it to the B horizon.

What is the B horizon in soil formation?

The B horizon accumulates materials weathered from the A horizon.

How do mineral soils form compared to organic soils?

Mineral soils form from the top downwards, while organic soils form from the bottom upwards.

What is eluviation?

Eluviation is the process of leaching or the removal of minerals from the soil.

What does illuviation refer to?

Illuviation refers to the accumulation of minerals and nutrients in the soil.

What factors influence soil formation?

Five soil formation factors include rock parent material, climate, topography, organisms, and time.

What is the role of organisms in soil formation?

Organisms contribute photosynthetic carbon, which aids in weathering and soil structure development.

What is a Gleysol?

Gleysols are soils impacted by waterlogging, characterized by a gleyed horizon.

Define Chernozem.

Chernozem is a grassland soil with high levels of organic matter, formed from grasses.

What is the significance of the Bt horizon?

The Bt horizon indicates that clay has been accumulated from the A horizon and is typically found in Luvisols.

What characterizes Podzol?

Podzol features a Bf horizon where iron mobility increases in lower pH conditions.

Describe the role of climate in soil formation.

Climate affects moisture and temperature, significantly impacting the types of vegetation and soil development.

What is the Climate Moisture Index (CMI)?

CMI is the difference between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration, indicating water availability for soil.

What defines Time in soil development?

Time varies the progression of weathering, influencing how soils form based on climatic conditions.

What is the purpose of soil classification?

Soil classification facilitates communication and helps understand relationships between soils in ecosystems.

What is a Luvisol?

Luvisols are soils characterized by clay accumulation in the B horizon, often found in humid climates.