Soil Science Concepts

Flashcards covering vocabulary and key concepts from soil science literature.

Soil

The unconsolidated mineral or organic material on the immediate surface of the earth that serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants.

Regolith

Unconsolidated material such as dust, broken rock, or sand on top of bedrock from which soil forms.

Pedology

The study of soil in its natural setting.

Edaphology

The study of soil in relation to soil-dependent uses.

Soil Texture

The relative percentage of sand, silt, and clay in soil.

Soil Aggregate

The natural process where tiny soil particles and organic matter clump together into stable structures called aggregates, creating channels for water, air, and roots.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

A measure of soil fertility that indicates the soil's ability to hold and exchange cations (positively charged ions).

Soil Horizons

Distinguishable layers in soil produced as a result of additions, losses, transfers, and transformations of energy and matter.

O-horizon

The organic horizon, consisting primarily of organic matter like decomposed plant and animal materials.

Soil Profile

The vertical section of soil that includes all the different layers or horizons.

Polypedon

Groups of pedons (3-D areas of soil) that are unique and often have specific names.

Soil Degradation

The reduction in soil quality, either through loss of fertility or structural integrity.

Soil Survey

A collection of information about soil that includes maps and descriptions of soil boundaries and characteristics.

Alluvial Soil

Soil that is deposited by running water, rich in nutrients and often found in river valleys.

Biogeochemical Transformations

Changes in soil due to physical and biochemical processes, affecting its structure and composition.

Illuvial Horizon

A soil horizon where materials like clay, iron, and aluminum oxides are accumulating.

Eluvial Horizon

A soil horizon from which materials, such as clay and minerals, have been leached out.

Transition Horizons

Horizon layers that exhibit properties of two adjacent horizons.