Environmental Science Test 4: Chapter 11 Soil

Dust Bowl

decade long period of drought and dry storms in the 1930s

What compounded the dustbowl problem

– Plowing

– Lack of trees

– Excessive land cultivation

Soil

Solid material of geological and biological origin that is changed by chemical, biological, and physical processes, giving it the ability to support plant growth

Soil texture

Texture is based on the make up of the proportion of each particle type and Parent material is weathered to smaller fragments (mineral portion of soil)

If soil has large particles, it also has?

large spaces

If soil has small particles, it also has?

higher surface area to volume

What clings to the surfaces of soil?

Nutrients and water

How nutrients are broken down and observed

Detritus feeders and decomposers break down organic

debris

 Nutrients are released into the soil

Producers absorb the nutrients

Soil Fertility

The soil’s ability to support plant growth

What determines soil fertility?

proper nutrients, water holding capacity vs evaporative water loss, aeration vs compaction, acidity, and salinity

Is there a community within the Soil?

Yes, because soil organisms feed on detritus, Burrowing organisms help maintain soil structure and Clumpy, loose, humus rich topsoil (A Horizon) is great for plant growth

Soil Degradation

the reduction in the capacity of soil to support plant life and perform ecosystem functions

Soil Degradation can be due to what factors?

Erosion, Overcultivation, Overgrazing, Deforestation, Nutrient mining and Desertification

How can we conserve Soils?

Reduce Erosion through contour plowing, shelterbelts, no till agriculture and Agriculture Policies like farm subsidies and farm bills

Detritus

dead particulate organic matter like fallen leaves and animal waste

Minerals

natural inorganic sold compounds that make up rocks and soils, they are essential nutrients in ecosystems

Silt

earthy sediment that enhances soil fertility and water retention, making it crucial for agriculture

Clay

natural occurring mineral that is critical for soil fertility, waste containment and absorbing pollutants

Loam

soil type that is composed of a mixture of sand, silt and clay and it is optimized for agricultural productivity and environmental health

Sand

natural resource that forms coastal barriers against climate change, filters water and supports habitats

O horizon

uppermost soil layer known as the Organic layer and it consists mostly of organic matter like decomposing leaves and humus

A horizon

The layer below the organic layer, known as Topsoil where there is mixed humus and leached mineral soil

E Horizon

is the layer beneath the Topsoil layer, known as the Eluviation layer and this layer is highly leached of clay, minerals and organic matter

B horizon

this layer is located below the Eluviation layer, also known as Subsoil where there are clay and mineral deposits and less organic materials

C Horizon

the lowest layer of the soil profile, known as the Parent Material. It consists of weathered rock and partly broken down minerals

Aeration

process of creating holes in soil to allow air, water and nutrients to reach grass roots

Water holding capicity

the ability of soil or materials to retain moisture against gravity

Leaching

process of extracting, dissolving or washing out soluble(dissolvable) components from a soild material using a liquid

Parent material

mineral or organic substance from which soil develops