Lecture 2 - Soil formation, morphology, and characteristics

Vocabulary flashcards covering key soil concepts from the lecture notes.

Soil

A mixture of inorganic minerals and organic compounds plus air and water that supports plant growth and hosts microorganisms.

Inorganic minerals

Solid mineral portion of soil, including grains of sand, silt, and clay.

Organic compounds

Plant and animal residues, and microorganisms in soil, existing at various stages of decomposition.

Granules

Small cohesive aggregates of soil particles formed by aggregation.

Clods

Larger soil aggregates or chunks formed by the settling and bonding of particles.

Pores

Spaces between soil particles that can be filled with water or air.

Soil solution

Water in the soil that acts as a solvent, dissolving and transporting ions.

Root respiration

Process by which plant roots use oxygen from the air to release energy.

Nutrient recycling

Breakdown and decomposition of plant and animal matter by soil organisms to release nutrients.

Soil habitat

The soil environment that provides a home for microorganisms and soil animals.

Microorganisms

Microscopic life in soil, including fungi and bacteria.

Fungi

Soil microorganisms that decompose organic matter.

Bacteria

Microscopic soil organisms involved in decomposition and nutrient cycling.

Earthworms

Worms living in soil that help with soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Nematodes

Microscopic, worm-like soil organisms that influence soil ecosystems.

Centipedes

Soil-dwelling arthropods that feed on small organisms.

Ants

Soil-dwelling insects that contribute to soil processes.

Termites

Insects that break down organic matter in soil and contribute to nutrient cycling.

Rocks

Naturally occurring solid aggregates of minerals; the three primary types are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Quartz

A silicate mineral with the chemical formula SiO2.