Chapter 4 - Properties of soil

Question 1

Tilth

Answer 1

Physical condition of a soil related to plant growth (ex: texture, structure, aeration, speed of infiltration, drainage)

Question 2

Friability

Answer 2

How easily soil crumbles into aggregates or not

Influences: management, OM content, micro- and macro-org content

Question 3

Conservation Tillage

Answer 3

No-till; increases the OM, reduces soil crusting (which reduces H2O and O2 exchange)

Question 4

Influences on color

Answer 4

OM content
Water content
Oxidation of irons and manganese

Question 5

Flocculation

Answer 5

mutual attraction among clay and OM particles, makes bigger pieces

Question 6

Influences on flocculation

Answer 6

Temperature
Moisture content (shrink/swell)
Root activity
Soil organisms
Human activity (usually negative)
Fungus - organic glue