physical and enviro variables (soils) Flashcards
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
what is done to remove the hardpin in podsols?
deep ploughing
what is done to allow crop cultivation in a podsol?
continuous use of fertilisers and lime
what are the areas of podsols mainly used for?
forestry, recreation and extensive grazing
what are soils consisted of?
weathered rock, organic material, water and air
what does the type of soil found in areas depend on?
climate
vegetation
topography
what is a zonal soil?
develop over a long period of time under the influence of climate and vegetation
have distinct profile
what does the global classification of zonal soils identify?
different soil horizons
OABCR
OAEBCR
