Soil Ecosystem Services, Formation, and Conservation: Key Concepts for Biology and Agriculture

What are ecosystem services provided by soil?

Ecosystem services include nutrient cycling, water filtration, habitat for organisms, and carbon storage.

How does soil act as a carbon sink?

Soil stores carbon by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through plant roots and microbial activity.

What is weathering?

Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks and minerals into smaller particles, contributing to soil formation.

What are the types of weathering that form soil?

Types of weathering include physical weathering, chemical weathering, and biological weathering.

How do climate, organisms, topography, and time influence soil formation?

Climate affects moisture and temperature; organisms contribute organic matter; topography influences drainage; and time allows for the development of soil profiles.

What are the six possible soil horizons?

The six soil horizons are O (organic), A (topsoil), E (eluviation), B (subsoil), C (parent material), and R (bedrock).

What is leaching?

Leaching is the process by which water-soluble substances are washed out from the soil, often leading to nutrient loss.

What does soil texture refer to?

Soil texture refers to the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil.

What are the relative sizes of silt, sand, and clay particles?

Sand particles are the largest, followed by silt, with clay being the smallest.

What is the most desirable soil texture for agriculture?

Loam is considered the most desirable soil texture for agriculture due to its balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay.

What are porosity and permeability in relation to soil?

Porosity is the volume of empty spaces in soil, while permeability is the ability of soil to transmit water. They are related as soil texture affects both properties.

How does a soil's moisture content relate to its texture?

Soil texture influences moisture retention, with clay holding more water than sand, while sandy soils drain quickly.

What are the three main nutrients that must be in soil for plant growth?

The three main nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

How do plants prevent soil erosion?

Plants prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with their roots and reducing the impact of raindrops on the soil surface.

What activities can lead to the destruction of topsoil?

Activities include deforestation, overgrazing, and improper agricultural practices.

What are the two major harmful effects of soil erosion?

The two major harmful effects are loss of fertile topsoil and sedimentation in waterways, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.

What are the basics of the Food Security Act and the Conservation Reserve Program?

The Food Security Act aims to improve food security and agricultural sustainability, while the Conservation Reserve Program incentivizes landowners to convert environmentally sensitive land into vegetative cover to improve soil health.