physical and enviro variables (soils) Flashcards
(31 cards)
what are the two types of zonal soils?
ferrasols and podsols
where is a ferrasol found?
in the tropics
does it have a high acidity?
yes
what are the horizons of a ferasol?
OABCR
why dint there any nutrients in the O and A horizon?
high rainfall means that they are not absorbed and are leached out of the soil
are tropical soils fertile?
no due to excessive leaching
how are nutrients added to the soil in ferrasols?
hot and wet climate means that leaves fall all year round supplying nutrients
where are nutrients constantly cycled in a ferasol?
the vegetation and top soil
in a feral there are limited nutrients at what depth?
50cm
who does deforestation affect ferrasols?
removing vegetation removes nutrients due to there being a limited amount
why are ferrasols less susceptible to soil erosion?
they are well drained
why are crops more prone to drought conditions in ferrasols?
as they cannot hold water because of well drained
what type of agriculture is common on ferrasols?
shifting cultivation
if permanent cultivation as to occur on a ferrasol what would need to happen?
require high fertiliser to raise the ph level
what are examples of vegetation in ferrasols and where?
rubber and black pepper plantation in brazil
how long do podsols take to develop?
3000-5000 years
where are podsols found?
where precipitation is high and temperatures are cool
are podsols acidic?
yes
what other horizon does a podsol have?
E
what happen at the E horizon in a podsol?
sever leaching takes place of iron and aluminium makes it pale it colour
why does water logging occur in a podsol
at the B horizon iron begins to accumulate to make a hardpan layer
in a podsol what do the low temperatures cause?
decomposition and growing to be slow
what is available throughout the year in a podsol?
leaf litter
why are podsols unsuitable for arable farming?
low in nutrients and very acidic
