Intro to Soil

Question 1

What is soil?

Answer 1

A medium for plants

Question 2

Role of Soil 1

Answer 2

Plant growth

Question 3

Role of Soil 2

Answer 3

Water Storage and Purification

Question 4

Role of Soil 3

Answer 4

Habitat for soil organisms

Question 5

Role of Soil 4

Answer 5

Recycling system for nutrients and organic waste

Photosynthesis (Plants) ->Decomposistion ( Soil Organisms)

Question 6

Role of Soil 5

Answer 6

Modifier of the Atmosphere

Intake Methane, release C02 and N20

Question 7

Role of Soil 6

Answer 7

Engineering Medium

Question 8

Challenges of soil

Answer 8

Soil degradation
-reduction in capacity for soil to support life
-damage to physical, chemical and biological properties

Question 9

Causes of soil Degradation 1

Answer 9

1- erosion and leaching

Question 10

Causes of soil Degradation 2

Answer 10

2- Salinization

Question 11

Causes of soil Degradation 3

Answer 11

3- Subsidence
Groundwater pumping is collapsing aquifers and causing land subsidence

Question 12

Causes of soil Degradation 4

Answer 12

4- development, infrastructure, cities etc..

Question 13

Constitutes of Soils 1

Answer 13

45% - mineral particles

25%- air

25%- water

5%- organic matter—>( 10% organisms, 10% roots, 80% Humus)

Question 14

Soil Profile L F H

Answer 14

O horizons (peat) organic-matter

Question 15

Soil profile Ah Ae B

Answer 15

Ah- dark, a horizon contacting mixed minerals and organic matter with bio activity

Ae- light-colored portion of A horizon with oxides Fe, AL, and removal of clay particles

B- maximum accumulations of silicate clay materials or of sesquioxides and organic matter

Question 16

Soil Profile C, Bedrock consolidated

Answer 16

c- weathered parent material, hardpan

Bedrock

Question 17

Significant Figures

Answer 17

unit with least amount of decimal places will be rounded to after value is calculated

If a whole number is used, leave answer as is