Soils and Mineral Nutrients

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to soils and mineral nutrients that are essential for plant growth, nutrient absorption, and soil composition.

Soil Composition

Determines aspects of plant life such as temperature and moisture control.

Essential Elements

Minerals necessary for plant growth and reproduction.

Beneficial Elements

Elements that help plants thrive but are not strictly necessary.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in large quantities (>0.1% of dry biomass).

Micronutrients

Nutrients required in small quantities (<0.01% of dry biomass).

Anions

Negatively charged ions absorbed by plants, such as phosphorous and nitrogen.

Cations

Positively charged ions absorbed by plants, including calcium and magnesium.

Cation Exchange

The process where plants release H+ to free cations from soil particles.

Proton Pumps

Transport proteins that use ATP to move H+ ions outside of the cell.

Ion Channels

Proteins that regulate the passage of specific ions through the plasma membrane.

Eutrophication

Nutrient enrichment in water bodies that can lead to harmful algal blooms.

Transpiration

The process by which plants lose water, facilitating nutrient uptake.

Diffusion

Movement of ions down their concentration gradient in the soil.

Root Growth

The uptake of water and minerals occurs just behind the root tip.

Photosynthesis

The process by which carbon dioxide is converted into organic molecules.

Chlorophyll

A pigment essential for photosynthesis, containing magnesium.

Middle Lamella

A layer that allows cell adhesion, important for plant structure.

Stomatal Regulation

The process of opening and closing stomata, regulated by potassium and chlorine.

Nutrient Deficiency

Lack of essential nutrients affecting plant growth negatively.

Chlorosis

Yellowing of leaves due to nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen.

Necrosis

Tissue death caused by severe nutrient deficiencies.

Haber-Bosch Process

Industrial method for producing ammonia, vital for fertilizers.

Soil Quality

Determined by composition, affecting plant distribution and health.

Soil Composition Components

Includes organic matter, inorganic mineral matter, water, and air.

Humus

Dark-colored organic material that increases soil nutrient content.

Soil Particles

Comprises sand, silt, and clay, affecting water holding capacity.

Soil Texture

Determined by the percentage of sand, silt, and clay present.

Soil Taxonomy

Classification of soils into twelve different orders based on texture.

Organic Soils

Formed from accumulation of organic material (often >30% organic matter).

Mineral Soils

Formed from weathering of rocks (usually <30% organic matter).

Soil Horizons

Layers within soil profiles, including O, A, B, and C horizons.

Acidic Rain

Dissolves minerals from rocks, aiding soil formation.

Weathering Processes

Biological, physical, or chemical processes that break down rocks.

Young Soils

Rich in minerals but may limit water movement into plants due to high ion concentrations.

Mature Soils

Lower in nutrient concentrations but contain clays that bind and release cations.

Soil pH

Affects nutrient availability and microbial activity in soils.

Microbial Communities

Organisms that decompose organic matter, influencing nutrient availability.

Organic Matter

Remains of dead organisms that enrich soil and promote plant growth.

Root Exudates

Substances released by roots that influence nutrient availability.

Nutrient Mobility

The ability of nutrients to move through soil and be available for plant uptake.

Phosphorous Role

Essential for nucleic acids and energy transfer (ATP synthesis).

Calcium Function

Important for cell wall structure and signaling in plants.

Potassium Role

Regulates enzyme activity and stomatal movement in plants.

Zinc Function

Acts as a cofactor in various enzymatic reactions in plants.

Nickel Role

Essential for certain enzyme functions within plants.

Copper Function

Plays a vital role in photosynthesis and respiration.

Manganese Role

Involved in chlorophyll formation and enzyme function.

Organic Acids

Help in mineral solubilization and enhancing nutrient availability.

Bulk Flow

Movement of water and dissolved nutrients through soil due to transpiration.