Lecture 8: Soil Science and Wetlands

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to soils, wetland ecology, and related concepts.

Soil Augers

Tools used for extracting soil samples from the ground.

Field Capacity

The amount of water soil can hold after excess water has drained away.

Wilting Coefficient

The point at which plants can no longer extract water from the soil.

Hydric Soils

Soils that are saturated with water for prolonged periods, contributing to anaerobic conditions.

Wetland Hydrology

The study of water movement, distribution, and quality within wetland ecosystems.

Anaerobic Decomposition

The breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing methane and other byproducts.

Redoximorphic Features

Soil characteristics that indicate saturation and fluctuating groundwater levels, often seen in hydric soils.

Hydrophytic Plants

Plants that are adapted to grow in water-saturated soils.

Ecosystem Services of Wetlands

Benefits provided by wetlands, including biodiversity support, flood control, and carbon storage.

Soil Water Potential

The potential energy of water in soil, influencing water availability for plants.