Soil Flashcards
What does soil contain?
Biotic and abiotic things (living and non-living things)
What is loam?
Fertile top soil filled with clay, sand, and silt
The darker the top soil the more what?
Humus
Describe the A horizon
- Contain mineral particles (inorganic)
- Living organisms (Organic)
- Humus- decaying organic material
(Top soil)
Describe the B horizon
- Less organic
- Less weathered
(Nonliving material)
Describe the C horizon
- Partially broken down rock (parent rock)
Bed rock
Does a tropical rainforest have (much or very little) humus?
Very little humus
Where is most of the biomass found in a rainforest?
Above the ground
What are cations?
Positive charged ions
What are anions?
Negative charged ions
What are some examples of anions? Cations?
Anions- Phosphate, Nitrogen ion, Clay, Nitrate
Cations- Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium
Cations adhere to ______ charged soil particles
Negative
What is leaching?
Loss of anions
What kind of soil is preferred?
Slightly acidic
What is the role of clay in soil?
Clay helps keep cations from washing away after rainfall
What is humus?
Dead decaying living (organic) things
Why is humus important? 3
- Contains minerals that return to soil
- Retain moisture
- Prevents clay form making large clumps
What are some living things in soil?
Worms, Spiders, fungus
Why are worms important in soil?
Move large amounts of material and mixing soil
What do worm movements promote?
Better gas diffusion, water retention
What is the American Dust Bowl?
top soil was eroded by the wind
What can help with wind erosion for soil?
Roots to add stability
What is the reason for fertilization?
Restore nutrients that could be depleted
What is NPK?
NPK is a type of soil that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
