Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Geography LC > Geoecology - Soil > Flashcards

Geoecology - Soil Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
U.S. Geography flashcards World Geography flashcards
1
Q

What is the study of soil called?

A

Pedology

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What % is the earth’s surface covered in soil?

A

25%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What % of soil is suitable for growing food?

A

10%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is soil?

A

Layer of natural material on the earth’s surface that is capable of plant growth.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How many main ingredients make up soil?

A

5

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Name the 5 main ingredients in soil?

A
  • Mineral matter
  • Air
  • Water
  • Living organisms
  • Humus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What % of mineral matter is in soil?

A

45%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What % of air is in soil?

A

25%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What % of water is in soil?

A

25%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What % is organic matter- (living organisms and humus)

A

5%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe mineral material.

A
  • Small pieces of rocks
  • Sand, slit, clay
  • Pieces broken down by erosion and weathering
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Why is air important in soils?

A

It contains oxygen and nitrogen which are essential for plants and organisms in the soil

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Why is water important in soils?

A
  • Contains dissolved minerals
  • Plants absorb these minerals through their roots
  • Minerals are then defined as nutrients.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the role of living organisms?

A

To break down dead plants and help create humus.

ie. earthworms, woodlice, bacteria, fungi etc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is humus?

A

A black gel-like substance made up of decaying organic matter.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Name three factors that affect the creation of soil.

A
  • Climate
  • Vegetation
  • Time
17
Q

What is a soil profile?

A

A section of soil extending from the surface to the bedrock.

18
Q

What are the different layers in a soil profile called?

A

Horizons

19
Q

Describe O Horizon.

A
  • High % of organic matter (30%)
  • Dead plants/animals collect on surface
  • Leads to creation of humus
20
Q

Describe A Horizon.

A
  • Upper layer of soil/ topsoil
  • Dark in colour due to humus
  • Most organisms live here
21
Q

Describe B Horizon.

A
  • Called subsoil
  • Zone where water percolates through
  • Deposits leached minerals
22
Q

Describe C Horizon.

A

-Mainly made up of large lumps of partially weathered and decomposed rock.

23
Q

Describe R Horizon.

A
  • Known as bedrock

- Composed of undisturbed parent rock

24
Q

Name the six soil characteristics.

A
  • Colour
  • Structure
  • Texture
  • Humus content
  • pH value
  • Water content
25
Q

Why do brown and black soils have their colour?

A
  • Due to the presence of humus

- Soils that are rich in humus are very fertile.

26
Q

Why are grey soils described as ‘washed out’?

A
  • Nutrients have been leached out of them due to rainfall

- Waterlogged and infertile

Geography LC (19 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions