Soils and Soil Conservation

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to soils and soil conservation.

Weathering

The combination of processes that gradually modify and weaken rock when exposed to air and water.

Physical Weathering

The breakdown of rock from physical processes, such as cracks or joints forming.

Frost Wedging

Occurs when water trapped in joints alternates between freezing and thawing, pushing the rock apart.

Root Wedging

Occurs when plant roots grow into a joint and push it open.

Chemical Weathering

The breakdown of minerals in rock through chemical reactions, resulting in new minerals.

Dissolution

A process where minerals in rock break down into ions when immersed in water.

Hydrolysis

Reactions with water that break down minerals and form new minerals, such as clay.

Oxidation

Reactions of iron-bearing minerals with oxygen, leading to rust.

Differential Weathering

The phenomenon where different rocks weather at different rates due to variations in composition.

Soil Formation

The process of creating soil from the breakdown of rocks over time.

Soil Particles

Particles classified into three sizes: sand, silt, and clay.

Soil Texture

A measure of how much sand, silt, and clay a soil contains.

Loam

The perfect mixture of soil that is one-third clay, silt, and sand, rich in nutrients.

Soil Profile

A vertical section of soil showing distinct layers from the surface to the underlying rock.

O Horizon

The organic layer of soil, comprised mostly of decomposing leaves and plant debris.

A Horizon

The topsoil layer that is rich and dark, where most roots grow and nutrients are found.

B Horizon

The subsoil layer which is denser and clay-rich, receiving minerals from above.

C Horizon

The substratum of soil, consisting of broken-up parent rock with little to no organic matter.

R Horizon

The solid rock foundation beneath soil layers.

Rate of Soil Formation

The speed at which soil forms, influenced by factors like climate and organic activity.

Soil Degradation

The decline in soil health due to erosion, salinization, and contamination.

Erosion

The loss of topsoil by wind and water, a significant threat to soil health.

Salinization

The accumulation of salts in soil, primarily due to irrigation.

Nutrient Depletion

The exhaustion of soil fertility caused by continuous cropping.

Contamination

The introduction of pesticides, herbicides, and pollutants into the soil.

Wind Erosion

Soil erosion that occurs from wind acting on exposed, dry soil.

Water Erosion

Soil erosion caused by rainfall on bare or sloped ground.

Erosion Control Practices

Methods to protect agricultural soil, such as windbreaks and cover crops.

Terrace Farming

Agricultural practice of creating stepped terraces on sloped land to reduce erosion.

Strip Cropping

Planting different crops in alternating strips to prevent soil erosion.

No-till Farming

An agricultural practice that eliminates tilling to preserve soil structure and health.

Soil Conservation

Practices aimed at preventing soil degradation and ensuring food security.

Ancient Civilizations and Soil Degradation

Historical lessons showing the collapse of civilizations due to poor soil management.

Modern Salinization Problems

Current issues of soil salinization affecting agricultural lands worldwide.