Soils 1a

activity - A general term used to describe how chemically reactive a particle is with ions, water, and other particles. \n

clay - A mineral particle smaller than 0.002 mm. \n

clay synthesis - Clays are formed in soils through the transformation of existing clays or through the generation of entirely new clay particles from ions precipitating from solution. \n

desertification - The transformation of a non-arid landscape to an arid landscape, usually through a combination of climate changes and human-induced soil degradation. \n

dirt - 1. synonym for soil material; 2. soil out of place; 3. unclean material of any composition.

eluviation - The removal of materials such as clays, organic matter, iron, or aluminum from a horizon. \n

erosion - The surface removal of soil material from soils by the action of water or wind. \n

eutrophication - A process of excess algal growth that leads to oxygen depletion; often caused by excess nutrient inputs. \n

factors of soil formation - Factors from which soil scientists are able to predict the end result of soil formation processes: climate, organisms, topography, parent material, and time. \n

gas regulation - The absorption and release of gases that mediates the levels of these gases in the atmosphere. \n

illuviation - The deposition of materials such as clays, organic matter, iron, or aluminum into a horizon; generally the materials come from an upper horizon in the soil body. \n

leaching - The removal of dissolved ions from a soil. \n

natural bodies - Systems that form in nature with size, form, and history that act as in an integrated fashion to provide functions that differ from the sum of their parts. \n

remediate - To transform a chemical from a toxic form or state to a non-toxic form or state. \n

salinization - A build up of salts in soils to the point that they destroy the soil's physical and chemical properties and plants are not able to take up water due to the high salt concentration; often associated with improper irrigation. \n

sand - A mineral particle ranging in size from 0.02 to 2 mm. \n

silt - A mineral particle ranging in size from 0.002 to 0.02 mm. \n

soil - 1. A material composed of minerals, living organisms, soil organic matter, gas, and water. 2. A body composed of soil and other parts such as rocks, roots, and animals that has size, form, and history and provides integrated functions that are greater than the sum of its parts. \n

soil horizon - Layer present within soil bodies that are distinguishable from other layers; often generated through soil formation processes. \n

soil organic matter - Plant, animal, and microbial residues, in various states of decomposition. \n

soil texture - The percentages of sand, silt, and clay particles in a soil. \n

soil quality - The capacity of a soil to provide desirable ecosystem services. \n

transpiration - Evaporation of water from openings in plant tissues called stomata; associated with photosynthesis. \n

weathering - Physical, chemical, and biological processes that breakdown and transform rocks and minerals.